Protect the most vulnerable: Glen Haven CEO
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Lisa M. Smith, CEO of Glen Haven Manor, is urging everyone to take whatever measures possible to protect the most vulnerable.
“We, along with all Nova Scotians, Canadians and citizens of the world, are poignantly aware of the dangers of COVID-19,” said Smith in a video statement from the lawn of Glen Haven Manor. “Glen Haven is home to the elderly, many with underlying medical conditions, as are nursing homes across our great nation. This is our time to make a difference. Not tomorrow. Not next week, but today. The only way to prevent the spread of this virus is to be swift, strong and to fiercely strive to be ahead of it. We cannot risk it coming through our doors. We need to stop and slow down the chain of transmission.”
Glen Haven is a long-term care facility with 202 residents as well as 20 tenants in assisted living and a team of 300 health-care workers. There have been no cases of COVID-19 at the facility yet.
“When the most vulnerable are exposed to this virus, the outcomes are nothing short of catastrophic. We are very mindful of the heartbreak and grave loss in other places,” she said. “We know there will be longer hours and more sacrifices ahead and tough decisions about what we are willing to do to help each other. We need to rely upon and to be there for each other and our residents and the most vulnerable in the days and weeks ahead. “
Smith also thanked the Glen Haven team, calling them extraordinary care super heroes and their families for their sacrifices, devotion and co-operation. She also applauded the provincial and national chief public health officers along with leaders in all orders of government for their work in these uncertain and unprecedented times.
“Health-care workers everywhere are fulfilling a duty to care and a duty to provide care with inspiring dedication and bravery,” she said. “They do extraordinary work each and every day, but what is being done these days is exceptional and heroic.”