A strike could disrupt health care in Manitoba

Manitobans are being told potential industrial action next week could disrupt community health care.

A news release from Shared Health on Tuesday said residents living in much of the province may experience disruptions to some health care services, including clinic appointments and home care services, if a planned work action by CUPE and MGEU affiliated staff goes ahead.

It notes that a strike would impact patients in the Winnipeg, Interlake-Eastern, Prairie Mountain and Southern Health-Santé Sud regions.

In the event of a strike beginning at 6 a.m. on October 8, essential service agreements will be implemented. Shared Health adds that efforts will be made to minimize disruptions; However, Manitobans can expect some changes to service, including the possibility of cancellations.

Notifications for affected customers began last week. Clients whose home visits are postponed or canceled will be contacted by telephone.

The service priority will focus on ensuring Manitobans receive essential care, while some lower priority tasks will be offered less frequently or will be postponed.

Shared Health notes that employers in the health care system are committed to negotiating with both unions in hopes of reaching an agreement and avoiding a strike.