'Whether you're retired or in training, we can't afford to have people with professional health-care skills who want to help sitting on the sidelines during this crisis'
Following the launch of a web portal to connect workers with employers looking to fill positions in the agri-food sector, the Ontario government has introduced a Health Workforce Matching Portal to match health-care providers with a range of experience with employers in need of assistance to perform a variety of public health functions, such as case and contact management, in the time of COVID-19.
These providers include retired or non-active health-care professionals, internationally educated health-care professionals, students and volunteers with health-care experience.
"Our health-care heroes on the front lines of this battle are doing extraordinary work, but they need reinforcements to step up and lend a hand to help defeat this virus," says Premier Doug Ford. "Whether you're retired or in training, we can't afford to have people with professional health-care skills who want to help sitting on the sidelines during this crisis. This is a call to action and I encourage every available person with health-care experience to get involved."
Employers and interested health-care professionals can visit the portal here and create a profile. Once registered, professionals can add their availability and employers can enter their request for support. Registrants will receive an email notification if matched.
"Since the beginning of this outbreak, we have heard from thousands of volunteers who want to help in any way they can," says Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of health. "We are very grateful for those stepping up during these unprecedented times. That's why we are using everything possible to support these frontline health-care workers as they fight the spread of this virus."
