Fredericton hospital's quality improving, former nurse says

A former nurse and nursing professor who recently raised concerns about cleanliness and professionalism at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton says she is encouraged by recent improvements.

Penny Ericsonwrote a report abouther personal experiences at the hospital during her husband's lengthy illness earlier this year. The reportwas made public about a month ago and Ericson says she's already seen changes for the better.

"People are wearing name tags. They're identifying themselves. It seems to be a bit cleaner. There seems to be a movement afoot to make some changes," she said.

"I think that's very positive and I think it's a credit to the people who are leading the charge to make a difference to make a positive change.

Ericson says there's still a lot more to do andsays she's been invited to meet with Horizon Health Network CEO John McGarry on Tuesday.

She says she plans tolobby for a greater role for nurses, which she believes would improve the quality of care.

Blames budget cuts

Ericson, who ran unsuccessfully for theNDPin the 2003 provincial election, contends the health-care system has been trimmed in the wrong places.

"It's taken this province a long time to take a deep breath and do things that other provinces have been doing for a long time," she said.

"We don't have the same stationery between all the hospitals. We don't have an ordering system for the whole province. We don't have a lot of communication things that save money. So don't put it on the back of the staff to save the money."

Ericsonpreviously blamed the health authoritys board for not providing experienced supervisors to ensure the hospitals hallways, washrooms and cafeterias are cleanedproperly. She said the hospital was focused on saving money because the provincial government hadput it in that position.

The provincial government's health-care budget in 2013-14 is $2.5 billion, representing zero growth over last year.

In April, McGarry said the organization's financial challenge is "substantial" but that "less money does not have to mean a reduction in the quality of the services we provide."

Ericson outlined her concerns and observations in a 27-pagedocument titledCarl Ericson's Last Class,which she sent to officials at the Horizon Health Network, the Department of Health and the New Brunswick Nurses Union in August.

Her husband, Carl,was a teacher and was being treated at the hospital before his death earlier this year.