Ombudsman now part of Sunnybrook care audit

TORONTO — Amid allegations it has been providing substandard care to its most frail residents, Canada’s largest veterans facility will undergo a provincial audit in addition to one previously announced by the federal government, The Canadian Press has learned.

Meanwhile, Canada’s veterans ombudsman announced Wednesday that he would formally observe the audit of Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto.

“Recent allegations regarding the treatment of veterans at Sunnybrook hospital are of great concern to me,” Guy Parent said in a release.

“I want to ensure that the audit to be carried out by Veterans Affairs Canada is as thorough as necessary to fully identify and address issues of concern.”

Parent said he planned to meet affected veterans and their families to ensure their concerns are properly addressed.

In probing allegations of neglect of the most frail veterans at Sunnybrook, The Canadian Press found no level of government had inspected the 500-bed facility in seven years.

The Ontario government has always insisted the centre falls solely under Ottawa’s authority, even though 310 of the beds are classified as complex continuing care beds under provincial legislation.

“The ministry has no authority or jurisdiction to inspect or enforce long-termcare home standards at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,” Ontario Health Ministry spokesman David Jensen said.

However, Jensen now says the ministry will help inspect the centre at the request of Sunnybrook and Ottawa.

“RECENT ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE TREATMENT OF VETERANS AT SUNNYBROOK HOSPITAL ARE OF GREAT CONCERN TO ME.” GUY PARENT

“We are continuing to work with Sunnybrook as the terms of reference to review patient complaints are being developed,” Jensen said.

Currently, Ottawa pays $20 million for the 190 nursing-home beds in the facility, and another $6 million top-up for the other 310 beds that fall under provincial jurisdiction.

Ontario taxpayers put up $29.2 million for the provincially regulated beds.