In an important victory for SEIU members, home care workers were declared a “high-priority group” by Deb Matthews, the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

The Minister told MPs at Queen’s Park today that she would insist that home care workers be given access to the H1N1 flu shot.

Minister Matthews said: “Personal support workers are considered healthcare workers and they are in the high priority group.”

The declaration by the Minister came after healthcare workers concerns were highlighted by Sharleen Stewart, President of SEIU Local 1 Canada.

President Stewart raised the alarm after home care agencies failed to take the necessary steps to protect workers, and after some health clinics turned away Personal Support Workers.

Minister Matthews responded by insisting that no PSW or home care worker be turned away.

“Personal Support Workers are considered healthcare workers and they are in the high priority group,” said Minister Matthews. “They do not have to wait.”

Cathy Carroll, Secretary Treasurer of SEIU Local 1, said: “Were pleased that the Minster has taken this stance and recognized that home care workers are health care workers just like their colleagues in the health care system.

“We encourage our members to get the flu shot, not only to protect those they care for, but also for their own health and safety,” added the Secretary Treasurer.

The President of SEIU Local 1 said: “We are facing a serious public health threat. We need to pull together.”

At the urging of SEIU, the Ministry also issued a directive to Community Care Access Centres instructing them to impress upon home care agencies the importance of immunizing home care workers.

France Gelinas, the health critic for the Ontario New Democratic Party, had earlier cited lack of leadership from Community Care Access Centres.

Minister Matthews said she would continue to underline the vital role played by Personal Support Workers across the health system and the need for flu shots.

“They are covered. If that is in fact not clear to the public health units, to the long-term care homes, and so on, we will absolutely clarify that,” she added.