Dear PEI Nurses Union Members,
In acknowledgement of the immense challenges you have faced while holding together a healthcare system that has been deteriorating, we want to share with you a new symbol that not only reflects these struggles but also carries a powerful message of hope moving forward – the Duct Tape Ribbon.
As described in the Globe and Ma in Dr. David Keegan, a professor of family medicine at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, conceived the Duct Tape Ribbon. This symbolizes the fragility of our healthcare system, held together by both literal and figurative duct tape.
The Message: Fix It
While the ribbon signifies the healthcare system’s current state, its primary message is a call to action – to fix the system. It highlights that the bandaid fixes, may help in a pinch, but it is not sustainable. We advocate for permanent solutions that prioritize the well-being of our members and all healthcare professionals, emphasizing that a healthy system requires healthy employees.
Like ribbons before it, the Duct Tape Ribbon is a symbol of hope, not despair. We can’t lose sight of the fact that it is a system that is fixable.
As we distribute Duct Tape Ribbons, we encourage you to wear them proudly as a symbol of hope and commitment to fostering positive change in our healthcare system. Let’s engage in conversations, share experiences, and collectively work towards a healthier future.
Let’s commit to tough discussions, modernization, and reconstruction, moving beyond patchwork solutions and embracing a brighter future for healthcare.
Duct Tape Ribbons are available for distribution, and we invite you to pick one up from our union office or reach out to your local presidents. Together, let’s symbolize hope and drive meaningful change in our healthcare landscape.
To see how to make your own ribbon at home, watch VP Joanne Chisholm’s tutorial here.
See the Globe and Mail article here.
Barbara Brookins, President PEINU