ONA filed grievances over matter hospital charged for

The Ontario Nurses Association filed “numerous” grievances against the North Bay General Hospital over the same issue which led the Ministry of Labour to lay six charges against the health care facility, says Nancy Johnson, an ONA labour relations officer.

An MOL official laid the charges, each of which carries a maximum $500,000 fine, against the hospital in March related to exposure of employees to nitrous oxide in the hospital’s operating rooms.

“This is a serious incident and such exposure should not have to be taking place because regulations have long been in place to protect workers against waste anesthetic gases,” said Johnson, from her Sudbury office.

“And it’s also the first time we’re aware of an employer in the health care sector has been charged under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, at least in relation to patient care staff.”

Hospital spokeswoman Pat Stevens declined comment stating that the matter is before the courts.

But, BayToday.ca has learned, the hospital has retained Miller-Thompson, a Toronto law firm, to represent it at Provincial Offences Court.

Joshua Liswood, a partner in the firm, confirmed his company had been hired by the hospital.

Johnson said several hospital workers, including some ONA members, discovered a ventilation problem in two operating rooms and brought the matter to management's attention.

BayToday.ca will have more on this story later today.