Summary
- Protests Addressed: The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has responded to ongoing protests by nursing staff over sudden reductions in their overtime and pool assignment payments.
- The Error: The Authority revealed it had been incorrectly paying a flat rate of $75 across all nursing categories, which directly violated a February 2023 directive from the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO).
- Legal Compliance: The NCRHA stated it was the only Regional Health Authority not adhering to the CPO’s approved pay structure and had to revert to the correct rates to avoid severe legal and governance risks.
- Pending Payments: Acknowledging the financial blow to nurses who rely on overtime, the NCRHA assured staff that the only outstanding claims are for February 2026, which are currently being audited and will be paid shortly.
THE North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) says recent adjustments to nurses’ overtime and pool payments were necessary to correct an internal error and prevent the Authority from facing legal action.
The statement, issued on Saturday following protests by nursing staff, acknowledged the critical role nurses play in healthcare delivery and sought to explain the sudden shift in their take-home pay.
According to the NCRHA, the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer were recently made aware of a memorandum issued by the Office of the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) dated February 10, 2023. The memo outlined the legally approved rates payable to pool nurses across established categories.
However, an internal review identified an inconsistency in how these rates were being applied at the NCRHA. The Authority admitted that a uniform flat rate of $75 was being paid across all nursing categories, in direct contravention of the CPO’s directive.
Upon discovering the error, the NCRHA CEO indicated that immediate corrective action was taken to revert to the authorized CPO rates in order to comply with established national policy.
The NCRHA pointed out that it was the only Regional Health Authority operating outside of the approved structure.
“It is therefore essential that the Authority ensures full alignment and compliance to avoid exposure to legal and governance risks, including the potential for the Board to be taken before the courts,” the release stated, noting that other state boards have faced legal consequences for failing to adhere to policy guidelines.
The Authority acknowledged that the sudden adjustment has caused significant concern among staff, particularly for nurses who rely heavily on overtime to supplement their monthly earnings.
“The Authority wishes to assure that actions taken are not intended to disadvantage nurses, but to ensure that systems are managed in a manner that is fair, consistent, and compliant with national guidelines,” the NCRHA stated.
The Authority added that any permanent resolution or adjustment to the pay structure must be negotiated with the CPO, and it remains committed to pursuing lawful avenues for further clarification.
Addressing concerns about delayed compensation, the NCRHA advised that the only outstanding pool claims are for the month of February 2026. Those claims are currently being audited and will be processed for payment shortly.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the NCRHA expressed its sincere appreciation for the dedication and compassion of its nursing staff, noting that many continue to go “above and beyond” in the delivery of patient care.
The Authority also thanked other healthcare workers who have stepped in to maintain services and ensure continuity of care for patients and their families during the protests, expressing hope for a return to respectful and constructive engagement.
