Social Work Staffing Patterns for Bed-based Facilities in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Following reorganization of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the nine health care facilities in the region were transformed from “functionally organized, site specific services to a regional program structure”. It became apparent that there were no guidelines for social work staffing patterns in hospitals and in other active treatment services. The Manitoba Association of Social Workers Leaders in Health therefore undertook a study to describe current staff-patient ratios according to patient population, to describe and compare national ratios, to survey staff to explore their experience with current workload assignments, and to establish recommended staff-patient ratios for the Winnipeg Region. The research profiles the results of 81 completed surveys, representing 59% of social work EFTs in nine facilities in Winnipeg. Data were also collected to compare Winnipeg staff-patient ratios with those of facilities across the country (12 of 20 surveys completed). Recommended staff-patient ratios are provided for both acute/tertiary care and long-term care.
Source: Manitoba Association of Social Workers Leaders in Health, October 2003
This report is only available in English and can be accessed upon request by contacting CASW at casw@casw-acts.ca