Victorian Order of Nurses shutting down on P.E.I.

The Victorian Order of Nurses is shutting down on P.E.I. as part of a massive national restructuring.

All programs at the Summerside location have been cancelled, affecting eight part-time and casual workers.

The VON provided visiting nurses, foot care, workplace wellness programs,flu shots and pre-travel clinics on P.E.I.

• Victorian Order of Nurses closures won't affect Nova Scotia branch

• VON shutting down in Alberta, Sask., Manitoba, N.B., P.E.I. and N.L.

"We have had to make some hard choices about where we are able to make a difference in the lives of the greatest number of people," Jo-Anne Poirier, president and chief executive officer, said in a written release.

We regret the impact these changes will have on affected clients and staff. Jo-Anne Poirier, Victorian Order of Nurses

"We are closing our smaller operations in six provinces and streamlining our head office to free up capacity to respond to opportunities in Ontario and Nova Scotia, where we believe we have the best opportunities for sustainability and growth."

The charity provided servicesto more than 1,000 clients on P.E.I. every year.

"This has been a very difficult decision," Poirier said.

"We regret the impact these changes will have on affected clients and staff, and supporting them as we move through this process is our first priority. We understand change can be difficult, which is why we are doing what we can to ensure a smooth transition for those involved. We appreciate the continued support and patience of our clients, employees, partners, and many volunteers."

VON said it will work with clients in the coming days to find other arrangements.

Programs are also being closed in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

VON is also reducing the number of employees in its head office, which provides corporate services to the operations, by 23 per cent. In total, 352 of 6,446 employees are affected by this restructuring.