Funding boost to increase number of trained caregivers in B.C.

Apr 18, 2018 | 2:55 PM

VICTORIA — The provincial government has announced a $3.3 million investment to create new health-care assistant seats in 11 post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. — including in Merritt.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merritt is set to receive $146,000 which will provide an additional 14 health-care assistant seats. As well, Thompson Rivers University’s Williams Lake campus will get $155,000, or 18 additional seats.

The province says the investment is one part of a larger human resource strategy to increase staffing levels in residential care facilities and community care sectors.

Victoria notes there are currently 28,000 heatlh-care assistants employed by health authorities and affiliated employers in B.C. They perform a number of duties including support services for seniors, people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses.