Argyll Pavilion under Ombudsman investigation
The Argyll Pavilion is under investigation by the Québec Ombudsman, Radio-canada has reported, following complaints about residents who sometimes remain full days without leaving their bed. Patient Thérèse Jacques, 88, was confined to her bed for 36 hours last weekend, but Users’ Committee Chair Claire Mercier said this is not the only case of this type.
According to an institution spokesperson, an unexpected staff shortage was at the root of the problem.
According to Radio-canada, the Québec Ombudsman traveled to Sherbrooke Thursday to discuss the organization of work and the quality of care with staff members. This was the second visit by the Ombudsman in three months.
In October, The Record reported on a similar situation happening at the Hôpital et centre d'hébergement D'youville long-term care facility in Sherbrooke.
Caregiver Lynne Ann Nutbrown told The Record that while she believed employees at Youville are doing what they could, there had been a number of situations where her mother did not receive proper care.
Similar to the justification given at Argyll Pavilion, Nutbrown was told the issues at Youville stemmed from a staff shortage.
“They do the best they can, but if someone calls in sick, she has to stay in bed all day,” commented Nutbrown.
When asked for comment in October, CIUSSS de l’estrie CHUS representative Geneviève Lemay confirmed that there
is currently a province-wide need for more workers, specifically care attendants (préposées), auxiliary nurses and administrative personnel.
This coming Thursday, Nov. 30, the Lennoxville and District Community Aid is hosting a free information session offered by the Centre d’assistance et d’accompagnement aux Plaintes de l’ Estrie (CAAP), a service mandated by the health ministry to inform citizens of their rights.
The event, which will take place at the Amédée Beaudoin Commmunity Centre in Lennoxville beginning at 2 p.m. is entitled “What is the CAAP and what can it do for you? Learn about your rights to receive health and social services in English.”
In addition to informing citizens of their rights, the CAAP can also assist citizens navigating the complaints procedure in health and social services institutions.