On Tuesday, June 15, Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton joined Professor Heather Somerville’s accelerated Personal Support Worker (PSW) class in a virtual drop-in with approximately 50 students. The Minister spoke to the importance of continuing to work to meet the needs of Ontarians, and the key role students will play in filling roles and providing care.
Students had the opportunity to engage with the Minister and ask questions, and several inquired about where the biggest need is, in terms of career opportunities, how the province plans to achieve their goal of four hours of care per day, per person in care, and what can be done to keep more people in their homes for longer, rather than having them move into care facilities. The Minister spoke highly of the role PSWs play in providing healthcare services and confirmed to students that the work they will do upon graduation will make a difference.
In closing the session, SLC President and CEO Glenn Vollebregt thanked everyone and said, "At SLC we are proud of how our students help communities and very grateful for the ways Ontario’s government is helping us innovate and find new ways to address employer and industry needs."