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Newfoundland and Labrador’s registered nurses’ union is calling on families to stay vigilant about the care of their loved ones who find themselves in the health-care system this holiday season.

Yvette Coffey, president of the province’s registered nurses’ union, said the provincial health authority needs to end its reliance on mandatory overtime just to keep health-care services running.

“It is a big, big potential for undue harm for the people who are in our care over this holiday season,” Coffey told CBC Radio’s On the Go.

Coffey said the union and health authority were supposed to meet almost two weeks ago to discuss scheduling issues, which happened earlier this week.

“If they had met with us on December 12, in early December, we wouldn’t be talking about that issue right now with an emergency department without any staff over Christmas,” Coffey said.

If departments aren’t staffed, registered nurses will be mandated to work overtime. Last weekend in Carbonear, Coffey said more than a dozen people had to stay beyond their eight or 12 hour shifts.

Coffey said once mandated for overtime nurses are asked to self-assess whether they are fit to practice or too exhausted.

“They liken it to the RCMP pulling somebody over who they believe to be impaired and asking them whether or not they feel impaired. There is no external or independent judgement,” she said.

CBC News asked NLHS for an interview on Tuesday but no one was immediately available.

‘Be diligent’

Coffey also cautioned people who find themselves inside the health-care system over the holidays.

“Come for care because the people who are working in that system are dedicated professionals,” she said.

“But you also need to know that some of those nurses might be working 16, 20 or 24-hour shifts, and you need to be diligent, as well, in the care of your loved one.”

Coffey said travel agency nurses aren’t readily available during the holidays, including the Christmas period. She added most travel nurses are from outside the province and they work for private agencies and aren’t invested in the province’s people or healthcare.

“They have no allegiance to us,” she said.

She wants the province to implement a provincial travel pool of nurses and said in January a briefing note will be sent to the provincial government to formally propose the provincial travel pool of nurses.

In the meantime, Coffey said staff and patients may be at risk due to inadequate staffing.

“Mandatory overtime for nurses means increased risk of injury, but for our patients it means increased risks of mistakes and undue harm.”

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UST, a global technology transformation company headquartered in California, has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A., a historic automotive design and engineering firm that has helped shape the industry’s history.

The current shareholder of Italdesign, Automobili Lamborghini — part of the Audi Group — will retain an equity interest.

The Audi Group will remain a long-term strategic partner of Italdesign, ensuring continuity and collaboration in the areas that have defined the company’s reputation for over five decades.
The transaction creates a strong partnership that combines UST’s expertise in automotive engineering, artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicle development and digital ecosystem design, with Italdesign’s deep knowledge in vehicle and industrial product design and engineering, prototyping, small-series production, and automotive electronics.

Together, the companies will be able to offer a comprehensive and integrated portfolio of services — from initial concept and design through hardware and software development to production systems — to support the development of modern, digitally advanced vehicles.

UST and Italdesign also intend to extend this integrated approach on a global scale. UST will enable Italdesign to expand its international presence through UST’s global network in more than 30 countries.

Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Baker McKenzie assisted UST with a team led by Partner Paolo Ghiglione, supported by Partner Anna Marina De Vivo and Associate Giacomo Lamperti, who handled the corporate aspects of the transaction. The London team was led by UST relationship partner, Ash Tiwari, with support from Senior Associate Niraj Visani and associate Ambrose Teo.

The Baker McKenzie team also included Senior Counsel Alessia Raimondo and Associate Nicolò Crespi for employment matters, Associate Francesca Montefusco for real estate, and Counsel Antonio Lattanzio for regulatory issues. Counsel Philipp Schuett and associate Hannah Mack managed the German law aspects.

London corporate partner, Ash Tiwari, commented on the transaction: “It was fantastic to support UST on this exciting and important transaction which will enable the combined business to support the development of fully modern, digitally enabled vehicles and to extend this integrated approach to a global scale. We look forward to partnering with the UST team again.” 

Linklaters advised the Audi Group

 

across the county. From responding to emergencies to investing in the future, this has been a year defined by partnership and progress. 

The year began with challenges, as January’s severe flooding saw Warwickshire firefighters rescue 12 people stranded in floodwater. Alongside this, we launched the Public Health Annual Report, opened a state-of-the-art fire training facility, and approved vital investment in specialist resourced provisions. 

Throughout the year, Warwickshire has embraced innovation and sustainability. Electric vehicles became part of our mobile library service, and we proudly hosted Stage 4 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s race. Alongside these achievements, we focused on strengthening communities, expanding transport links and celebrating local heroes whose acts of bravery and kindness remind us why Warwickshire is such a special place. 

Young people have been at the heart of our work. From youth-led conferences and mental health podcasts to supported internships and work experience programmes, Warwickshire’s next generation has shaped the conversation and inspired change. We’ve also celebrated our rich heritage and culture, marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, restoring Chesterton Windmill’s sails, and hosting exhibitions and festivals that brought people together. A previously lost Tudor portrait of King Henry VIII was even discovered hanging on the walls in Shire Hall!  

Economic growth and opportunity have remained a priority, with over 350 businesses benefitting from the Skills Escalator Fund and new plans approved to help more people into work. Major road improvements, new bus services, and ambitious regeneration projects have strengthened connectivity and laid the foundations for the future. 

As part of our Christmas Advent Calendar campaign, we have been shining a light on these achievements and thanking everyone who played a part in making Warwickshire the best it can be. Together, we’ve shown that progress is possible when communities and partners unite. 

Talking about the last year, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Councillor Georger Finch said: 

 

“This year has truly highlighted the strength and spirit of Warwickshire. Together, we’ve achieved incredible things, from supporting our most vulnerable residents to driving innovation, discovering history and shaping the future of our young people.  

 

“As we look ahead to 2026, our commitment is unwavering, to make Warwickshire a place where everyone can live their best life. For now, I hope you’re able to take some time to relax and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones and friends. 

 

“Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!” 

To keep up with the latest news in 2026 follow us on social or visit our news site https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshirenews Alternatively you can sign up to our weekly newsletter, Warwickshire Update to get all the latest information sent directly to your inbox. You can sign up to the newsletter here.  

We’ll see you tomorrow for the final day of our Christmas countdown calendar!

And make sure you follow us on social media – Facebook and Instagram 

across the county. From responding to emergencies to investing in the future, this has been a year defined by partnership and progress. 

The year began with challenges, as January’s severe flooding saw Warwickshire firefighters rescue 12 people stranded in floodwater. Alongside this, we launched the Public Health Annual Report, opened a state-of-the-art fire training facility, and approved vital investment in specialist resourced provisions. 

Throughout the year, Warwickshire has embraced innovation and sustainability. Electric vehicles became part of our mobile library service, and we proudly hosted Stage 4 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s race. Alongside these achievements, we focused on strengthening communities, expanding transport links and celebrating local heroes whose acts of bravery and kindness remind us why Warwickshire is such a special place. 

Young people have been at the heart of our work. From youth-led conferences and mental health podcasts to supported internships and work experience programmes, Warwickshire’s next generation has shaped the conversation and inspired change. We’ve also celebrated our rich heritage and culture, marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, restoring Chesterton Windmill’s sails, and hosting exhibitions and festivals that brought people together. A previously lost Tudor portrait of King Henry VIII was even discovered hanging on the walls in Shire Hall!  

Economic growth and opportunity have remained a priority, with over 350 businesses benefitting from the Skills Escalator Fund and new plans approved to help more people into work. Major road improvements, new bus services, and ambitious regeneration projects have strengthened connectivity and laid the foundations for the future. 

As part of our Christmas Advent Calendar campaign, we have been shining a light on these achievements and thanking everyone who played a part in making Warwickshire the best it can be. Together, we’ve shown that progress is possible when communities and partners unite. 

Talking about the last year, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Councillor George Finch said: 

 

“This year has truly highlighted the strength and spirit of Warwickshire. Together, we’ve achieved incredible things, from supporting our most vulnerable residents to driving innovation, discovering history and shaping the future of our young people.  

 

“As we look ahead to 2026, our commitment is unwavering, to make Warwickshire a place where everyone can live their best life. For now, I hope you’re able to take some time to relax and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones and friends. 

 

“Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!” 

To keep up with the latest news in 2026 follow us on social or visit our news site https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshirenews Alternatively you can sign up to our weekly newsletter, Warwickshire Update to get all the latest information sent directly to your inbox. You can sign up to the newsletter here.  

We’ll see you tomorrow for the final day of our Christmas countdown calendar!

And make sure you follow us on social media – Facebook and Instagram