2024-01-15 21:12:39
The Ford government has created a Long-Term Care Investigations Unit, which will have more powers than the current inspections department.
The team of 10 investigators, whose creation was announced on Monday, is added to the inspectors. Its members are, however, provincial offenses officers.
However, its scope of intervention will be limited to the 11 provincial offenses listed in the Long-Term Care Recovery Act, 2021.
The Unit will investigate in particular:
Allegations of abuse and neglect Repeated breaches of standards Failure to take corrective action following the order of a ministry inspector Falsification or destruction of mandatory reports
While inspectors identify and resolve cases of non-compliance with the law, investigators determine whether there is reason to believe that a violation of the law has been committed, which, if prosecuted, could result in fines and/or imprisonment.
Ontario has been heavily criticized, following various investigations, for the lack of investments and systematic inspections during and even before the pandemic, which resulted in catastrophic situations.
In September, the ombudsman, Paul Dubé, notably called for an overhaul of the inspection system for long-term care homes, after noting that this surveillance mechanism had collapsed during the first wave of COVID-19.
Wayne Gates, NDP critic for long-term care, thinks bolder action is needed, such as wage increases and improvements to working conditions for nursing home employees.
The Family Councils Ontario association welcomes the creation of the new team. We expect an increased focus on systemic issues across the sector, strengthening inspection standards and improving the quality of life and safety of residents, specifies, in a statement written, its director, Sam Peck.
For its part, the Ontario Long Term Care Association, which represents about 70% of the province’s nursing homes, says the sector is transforming. She wants the province to continue to help resolve long-standing problems, such as staff shortages and the need to renovate or rebuild reception centers that are outdated.
With information from The Canadian Press
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