The Hospital Employees’ Union (HEU) recently received notice from the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) that the patient ambassador program will now end on April 30, 2025. Layoff notices will not re-issued at this time.
In July, HEU was notified that the program would end in October 2024. HEU represents approximately 1,000 health care workers who work as patient ambassadors and screeners.
The union met with HEABC and health care employers to discuss this development and the impacts on our members.
“This is good news for HEU members,” said Lynn Bueckert, Secretary Business Manager. “It allows a more workable time frame to advocate for and support impacted members. We will be meeting with HEABC and employers in the weeks ahead to discuss the impacts and potential enhanced opportunities for members.”
Ambassador positions were created in 2020 as temporary positions. In 2022 and 2023, HEU successfully advocated for these positions to be made permanent.
HEABC and HEU will continue to discuss options for impacted employees, including retraining opportunities in order to keep people working in the health sector.
HEU understands that changes to the ambassador, greeter and screener positions in the private sector are not expected before April 30, 2025. HEU will also continue to support members working in these positions.
HEU will keep members updated on significant developments as they arise.