Premier John Hogan says better communication would’ve prevented the headaches and stress associated with a memo from the health authority to staff this week.

The NLHS “guidelines” were distributed on Thursday, specifying date ranges in the new year when staff cannot take time off, with the typical exceptions.

Officials said the move was necessary to complete training in advance of the new CorCare interactive online patient system going live next April.

But it appears neither NAPE nor the nurses’ union was consulted, causing an immediate uproar, and reversal of the decision within hours of it being made.

Speaking during a campaign stop in the Goulds yesterday, Hogan said government played no part in the reversal, adding the first he heard of the issue was in the news.

But he had some advice for the province’s health authority, and others.

“You know, consultation is the most important thing and communication is the most important thing,” he said. “So let’s just make sure, whatever group you are — NLHS, the government, ministers, MHAs — communication is key before we make any steps to make sure that everybody is on board, everybody is aware, and we’re all moving in the right direction.”