Concern over plan to remove LTC inspection reports from public access

CTV News

2 days ago

Two Sudbury-area MPPS are concerned about a provincial plan to reduce public access to inspection reports conducted in the province's LTC homes.
Two Sudbury-area MPPS are concerned about a provincial plan to reduce public access to inspection reports conducted in the province's LTC homes.
After inspection orders in December, Extendicare Countryside can now take on new residents.
But if a new government proposal takes effect, those inspection reports won't be publicly available three years from now.
Bill 46, Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, would remove public access to inspection reports issued to long-term care homes after three years.
LTC inspection reports
After inspection orders in December, Extendicare Countryside can now take on new residents. But if a new government proposal takes effect, those inspection reports won't be publicly available three years from now.
(File)
That's concerning for Sudbury MPP Jame West and Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas, who say the records provide accountability.
'If you're making informed decisions and you see that there were issues three years ago and there has been none for three years, well then you can make an informed decision,' West said.
'But if you see that there's one or two (issues) in the past three years, but you have no idea what happened before that, maybe there's a trend or maybe there's just the odd issue that came up more recently. We think that people should have a more informed decision-making ability.'
West used the example of the serious problems in long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, which would be among the records that would be removed.
Should be improving care
'Instead of improving long-term care, they're just making it look better by removing past records,' he said.
In response to a request, the Ministry of Long-Term Care sent this statement to CTV News:
'The government is ensuring that individuals and their loved ones have access to relevant and accurate information that reflects each long-term care home's current performance. The new three-year timeframe aligns with inspection industry practices, such as inspections for child-care settings, as well as with the compliance history timeframe considered by inspections.'
The Ministry also said that 'reports outside the three-year time period will continue to be maintained by the ministry and will be available upon request.'
As for Extendicare Countryside, after making changes, the ministry said it can resume accepting new admissions. However, staff must work with Ontario Health AtHome on a gradual plan that meets the needs of all residents.
Can welcome new residents
In an email to CTV News, a spokesperson for Extendicare said Countryside facility has the capacity to welcome more than 30 new residents.
'Over the past six months, Countryside has invested significant time and effort in improvement,' the email said.
'We have openly shared progress through ongoing communication to families and residents and continue to work cooperatively with the family and resident councils. The home has worked hard to address ministry feedback, and their efforts have resulted in all compliance orders against the home being resolved.'
Extendicare said it remains focused on its action plan and long-term, sustained improvements, including filling all open roles, including nurses and personal support workers at Extendicare Countryside, with permanent team members.
It has also launched extensive re-education for team members on core clinical practices. Leaders have strengthened engagement with the Family Council and Resident Council and its increased support and staffing for cleaning within the home.
'We will continue to work in partnership with the Ministry, our Resident and Family Councils, and our team members to ensure Countryside is a place where residents are proud to call home and team members are proud to work,' the statement said.