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Health region changes nametags after privacy concerns

Feb 7, 2016 | 2:30 PM

A policy involving name tags and threats of violence in the Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) has been reversed after going to arbitration.

In 2012 the health region introduced a policy requiring employee’s first and last names on name tags. According to the ruling, the health region didn’t do the required research and risk assessment before going ahead with the policy.

The policy was implemented in an attempt to help patients connect with their care givers

President of CUPE local 5111 Brian Manegre said they soon began receiving complaints from union members who were concerned about privacy and safety, which led to a grievance being filed by the union.

“There was accusations made at work against the staff and they were later noted parked outside our member’s house. We’ve had physical threats of violence against our members on the forensic unit,” Manegre explained.

Safety is a major concern, especially for those working at Sask. Hospital forensic unit, which houses patients who have been convicted or charged with a crime.

Manegre said he’s pleased with the results of the arbitration.

“I think it’s good, it satisfies many of our members. I know many of our members will get to know a client and will share their last name, but that’s a personal choice.”

Patients still have access to the names of their care givers by requesting medical files.

 

cstockwell@jpbg.ca