Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Monday, June 9, 2008

HAY RIVER - A national charter in support of improving healthcare workplaces was signed last month by the territorial government.

Health and Social Services Minister Sandy Lee signed the 'Healthy Healthcare Leadership Charter' in Hay River on May 13 during the annual meeting of the NWT Nursing Leadership Network.

"The Healthy Healthcare Leadership Charter ... reflects our shared commitment to quality workplace environments that possess a culture of safety, support for lifelong learning and leadership," she told the health professionals gathered from around the NWT.

The charter is a national initiative by 10 different organizations, including the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Nurses Association.

By signing the charter, the GNWT pledged to make workplace quality a strategic priority and to work towards creating better working environments.

That could include such areas as professional development and improved safety policies.

Lee said the government's strategy is to create positive work environments that encourage older healthcare providers to delay retirement, while retaining younger professionals throughout their careers.

"I think the signing of this charter gives a really important message to healthcare workers in the North," said Donna Allen, manager of community services with the Department of Health and Social Services and a participant in the nursing leadership meeting.