Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks during his daily updates regarding COVID-19 at Queen's Park in Toronto on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Doug Ford says he’s heartbroken by a report on conditions in five long-term care homes dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.
The Premier calls the documents “gut-wrenching” and says the Chief Coroner will be investigating the conditions in these facilities.
The report by the Canadian Armed Forces was made public this week. It details “serious concerns” around infection prevention, safety, staffing and level of care. The report also indicates the homes are beginning to stabilize since the military was called in on April 22nd.
The homes are Orchard Villa in Pickering, Altamount Care Community in Scarborough, Eatonville Care Centre in Etobicoke, Hawthorne Place in North York and Holland Christian Homes’ Grace Manor in Brampton.
The report says residents with COVID-19 at the Eatonville Care Centre were “allowed to wander” and possibly spread the disease to others. Military at the same home said staff are afraid to use supplies like gowns and gloves “because they cost money.”
Ford says he takes “full accountability” for the long-term care system, but maintains he has not failed seniors in the province in light of these conditions.
The Army has been asked to continue assisting in these five long-term care homes for another 30 days.
Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care says one death in a long-term care home has been referred to Ontario’s Chief Coroner for investigation.
The government recently announced it will be launching an independent commission into Ontario’s long-term care system beginning in September.
Out of 626 long-term care homes in Ontario, there are currently 150 experiencing an outbreak, which is down from a high of 190.
