Saskatchewan still overseeing Extendicare seniors homes after deadly COVID outbreak
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says it will continue to oversee five homes operated by a private long-term care provider for at least another month.
The health authority was appointed administrator of Extendicare facilities on Aug. 5 after the province's ombudsman released a report highlighting mismanagement that led to Saskatchewan's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak at one of the homes.
In total, 194 of 198 residents at Parkside Extendicare in Regina contracted COVID-19 last winter, and 42 of them died -- 39 from the virus and three from other causes. Some 132 employees were also infected.
The health authority has spent the last month overseeing the homes and reviewing their operations. A report on those findings has been sent for review to the Ministry of Health.
The ministry says the report will be used to evaluate the health authority's agreement with Extendicare as a long-term care provider in the province.
Seniors Minister Everett Hindley has said the government is looking at all its options, including cancelling its contract with Extendicare.
"We understand the ministry is reviewing the report and, in the meantime, the SHA has been directed to continue as administrator of the five Extendicare homes in Saskatchewan until Oct. 4," said Lisa Thomson, a spokeswoman for the health authority.
"SHA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all long-term care residents and staff members in these five homes."
Extendicare said in a statement that it has been co-operating with the government as the operator's practices and services are reviewed.
"With the fourth wave upon us, and rates of infection rising in communities across the country, we are doing everything we can to remain vigilant and protect those who live and work in our homes," Extendicare said.
That includes requiring all staff in Saskatchewan to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.