Front-Line Nurses Say Public Long-Term Care Inquiry Must Look at Broader Issues to Improve Resident Care

TORONTO, June 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) supports a public inquiry into long-term care in Ontario and believes that it must be broad enough that systemic long-term care issues are addressed.

"Media attention resulting from the tragic murders of eight vulnerable long-term care residents presents the opportunity to examine, as well, the systemic issues that impact the care and safety of our frail seniors," said ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud, RN. "A public inquiry into long-term care must include an examination of much broader issues, such as resident-on-resident violence and compliance with long-term care legislation and regulation."

Over the past dozen years, ONA has participated in the Casa Verde inquest and expert panels, and has made countless recommendations for improving the safety and quality of care in the province's long-term care homes.

"There are very serious issues and incidents in long-term care that have resulted in coroner's jury recommendations, most of which have never been implemented," says Haslam-Stroud. "Nurses know – and one of the most common complaints of consumer groups is – that these facilities are understaffed and under-resourced, compromising the safety of residents and nurses alike."

She adds that the public inquiry must result in improvements to keep residents and staff safe at last.

ONA is the union representing 64,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as almost 16,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

Visit us at: www.ona.org; www.Facebook.com/OntarioNurses; www.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

Ontario Nurses' Association: Sheree Bond [phone], ext. 2430; cell: [phone]; [email protected]; Melanie Levenson [phone], ext. 2369; cell: [phone]; [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.ona.org