Nurses play a key role in delivering health care and are now using more of their skills to take on diverse roles within the system, benefiting all Ontarians.

Since 2003 the government has created more than 10,000 nursing positions and exceeded its goal of creating 900 nursing positions in 2009/10. Today, many of these nurses have received specialized training that allows them to provide a broader range of health services.

At Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Minister of Health highlighted the Registered Nurse-Surgical First Assist (RN-SFA) program in hospitals. Originally a pilot program, these nurses work with the surgeon and the rest of the operating room team to ensure patient safety before, during and after surgery.

In addition, the Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG) program ensures every Ontario nursing graduate has the opportunity to work full time in the province. There have been 8,200 placements under this program across the province.

Today’s announcement supports the government’s five-year Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.