Lacombe long-term care staffers placed on leave

Three staff members at a Lacombe long-term care facility have been placed on leave after an internal Alberta Health Services investigation discovered training deficiencies, unsanitary conditions and a lack of safety around medications.

The health authority said Tuesday the Lacombe Hospital and Health Centre has been thoroughly cleaned. Education sessions have also begun for staff “to ensure they understand health service and accommodation standards for continuing care.”

A total of 75 residents live in the long-term care portion of the health centre, all of whom have been reassessed.

AHS initiated a review and audit after nursing students completing practicums at the site came forward with problems they witnessed.

“We take these concerns very seriously and we responded quickly with our investigation and audits with support from Alberta Health,” Brenda Huband, chief health operations officer for central and southern Alberta, said in a written statement Tuesday.

The statement was released after the Wildrose Party highlighted the issue during question period in the legislature and released leaked documents from the audit.

According to the documents, the investigation uncovered such problems as dirty products stored with sterile products; soiled linen and garbage found to be overflowing into hallways; unsafe medication practices, including a client administering his own insulin when it was unclear if he was competent to do so; and other infractions.