Ombudsman Paul Dube says the Ministry of Long-Term Care needs to prepare for a future pandemic
The province's Ombudsman says the province needs to enforce clear rules for inspections at long-term care homes.
Paul Dube released a report today on the inspection routine for homes during the pandemic.
It says no inspections took place during the first seven weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak, and no inspection reports were issued during the first two months.
“Tragically, the Ministry of Long-Term Care was unprepared and unable to ensure the safety of long-term care residents and staff during the pandemic’s first wave,” he states, noting that “it is crucial that the Ministry fully understand and learn from the failure of the Inspections Branch to adequately and quickly respond.”
According to Dube, the Ministry stopped inspections to ensure the safety of inspectors.
The report makes 76 recommendations, which include urging the ministry to make sure it always has staff members available to conduct in-person inspections.
The Ministry has accepted all 76 recommendations and has agreed to report its progress on implementing them every six months.
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