BCCPA launches Health Human Resource Committee to tackle worker shortages

The continuing care sector in B.C. has flagged the issue of recruitment of frontline care workers as being a major challenge as our population ages. In response to this growing need for new employees all across the province, the BCCPA board has established a Health Human Resource (HHR) Committee to assist in the development policies, positions, and partnerships that will aim to grow the seniors care workforce.

The Committee will be co-chaired by Errol Hastings, Executive Director for Zion Park Manor, and Becky Marlatt, VP of Operations at Sienna Seniors Living. The Committee is to tackle the issue of seniors care sector’s worker shortages by identifying barriers that are preventing employment growth, and seeking opportunities to promote the recruitment, retention, and training of priority personnel in the continuing care sector.

“As the complexity of our residents and clients increases and more care is required, we will need more staff. In addition, many of our current staff are also moving towards a well-earned retirement. These two critical factors are causing staff shortages and the situation will only get more challenging unless we act now,” says Hastings. “We anticipate that the HHR committee will serve a timely and important role in making sure we are meeting the demand for new seniors care staff.”

The Committee will support the work of Lara Croll, who was promoted last fall as BCCPA’s Health Human Resource Analyst.

“BCCPA has heard from our members that HHR is a big challenge for the whole continuing care sector,” says Croll. “We are fortunate to have pulled together so much experience for our committee. It’s our goal to identify potential solutions, and facilitate the collaborations and partnerships necessary to strengthen seniors care in B.C.”

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In addition to having a dedicated HHR Analyst, BCCPA has launched a number of employment-focused initiatives, including its #BecauseBCCares campaign and its forthcoming BC Continuing Care Collaborative on health human resources.

#BecauseBCCares is an advertising and social media awareness campaign focusing on job growth, job security and job diversity in the seniors care sector. It has already generated a strong response from the public.

Visit our BCCPA’s Board Committees page to learn more.