Blame for LTC deaths

Re: Ontario surpasses 5,000 deaths, Jan. 12

In June, Ontario Premier Doug Ford promised an “iron ring” of protection around long-term care (LTC) homes. Instead, he introduced Bill 218, which became law Nov. 20. This bill prevents nursing homes from facing legal action resulting from the devastation in the LTCs, provided they followed public health guidelines in “good faith.” This is Doug Ford's “iron ring” of protection — not around our most vulnerable, but instead around LTCs to protect them from legal action and to prevent families from seeking justice for loved ones lost.

While Bill 218 frees LTCs from responsibility, it places blame squarely onto public health departments. Therefore public health is responsible for the deaths in our LTCs by: locking them down; not transferring residents to hospitals; lack of staff and PPE; and not immediately calling on any of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario members available. Why would anyone take their advice? They deserve neither our trust nor our respect. It is time for us to ignore them, use common sense, and look after our own health and safety.

Geoff Hotson, Mount Forest, Ont.