Press Release
Ontario is creating a registry of personal support workers (PSWs) that will better recognize the work they do for Ontarians while helping to better meet the needs of the people they care for.
PSWs will have the opportunity to sign up with the registry and provide key information, such as contact information, current employment, educational background, and years of experience.
Employers and the public could use the registry to verify this important information, and employers would be better informed to meet patient needs.
PSWs provide care to seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex health needs.
This registry will enable the government to work in partnership with PSWs to better meet the health needs of these vulnerable groups, leading to improved health outcomes.
The registry will be up and running no later than the summer of 2012.
Last week’s announcement is part of the government’s “Open Ontario” plan to provide more access to health-care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.
“Ontarians rely on the invaluable contributions that personal support workers make to our health-care system,” said Health and Long-Term Care minister Deb Matthews.
“The registry provides recognition for the vital role they play and improves access to Ontarians who are in need of their services,” she noted.
“A registry for Ontario’s Personal Support Workers is a significant step toward providing the best possible care and support to Ontario’s vulnerable citizens . . . the sick, elderly, and children cared for by PSWs,” said Miranda Ferrier, president, Ontario Personal Support Worker Association.
“OPSWA’s hope is that the registry will create much-needed standardization of training, as well as establishing accountability for both PSWs and employers.
“As PSWs get the recognition and professionalism they deserve, the health-care profession, the community, and PSWs will all benefit,” Ferrier added.
“Care in the community is often an intimate encounter between client and staff,” noted Susan Thorning, CEO, Ontario Community Support Association.
“This registry is a positive move which will increase safety for clients and caregivers, aid organizations and individuals in hiring qualified PSWs, and reinforce public confidence in our health system,” she remarked.
“The creation of a registry of Personal Support Workers will provide peace of mind to seniors and their family caregivers, and increase access to quality care,” echoed Sharleen Stewart, president, Service Employees International Union.
“This is an important first step in strengthening home care in Ontario, and lays the foundation for enhanced training of PSWs,” she stressed.
There are an estimated 90,000 personal support workers in Ontario, with about 57,000 providing care in long-term care homes and 26,000 in home care through community health agencies.
About 7,000 PSWs provide care in hospitals.
The work of personal support workers ranges from assisted daily living tasks (such as personal hygiene, transferring clients between bed and chair, taking medications, and doing light housework) to delegated health procedures (such as changing dressings, tube feedings, and oxygen therapy).
