NNPBC is very pleased that the BC government has approved changes to the Mental Disorder Presumption Regulation (B.C. Reg. 136/2018), which will ensure nurses can access treatment for injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We applaud government’s recognition that nurses are often front-line responders, along with firefighters, police, paramedics and others, when British Columbians are facing a crisis.
“Whether they are working the front lines of the opioid crisis, nearing the end of a long career in emergency nursing, recovering from a difficult experience with a violent patient, or accumulating many years of professional distress, there are many nurses who suffer with an undiagnosed or unmanaged PTSD diagnosis,” said Jacqollyne
Keath, Registered Psychiatric Nurse and NNPBC Chair. “We have encouraged government to consider not just a PTSD diagnosis resulting from workplace violence, but a diagnosis that evolves over decades of working with British Columbians who are suffering at the most difficult time of their lives. This is a great step forward.”
NNPBC is proud to have had the opportunity to work with the BC government to inform and advocate around these important changes. We would like to express our gratitude to Minister Harry Bains and his team for their commitment to listening, learning and making the changes needed to ensure all health care providers have the
ability to access the treatment they need, when they need it.