An investigation into the death of a woman from a local special care home is ongoing, according to the social development minister.
In a statement to our newsroom, Bruce Fitch said the department is working in cooperation with organizations like Codiac Regional RCMP.
“The safety and wellbeing of all long-term care residents is always a top priority for the department, and we always take any concerns very seriously,” Fitch said.
Eighty-three-year-old Gloria Mitton was reported missing on April 8 from the Salisbury Road area.
She was located in medical distress on Saturday afternoon and died before being transported to the hospital.
Fitch said facilities follow a strict set of standards set out by the Social Development to ensure all facilities undergo regular, comprehensive inspections.
Calls for an independent investigation
Seniors Advocate Cecile Cassista noted there were concerns raised last year about staffing at the Golden Years home, and she wants an external investigation launched.
“I don’t have any of the details of the home. But I know that there’s been other outstanding issues that I’ve reached out to the department about. You know, last year I raised concerns about staffing, food and not getting medication on time,” said Cassista.
“I still say that it’s so important that the department takes a serious look at the recommendations that were put out in 2020 by the nurses union, called The Forgotten Generation. I was part of that document as well. And there’s excellent, excellent information for the government to take a look at.
When I look at the inspection report, we haven’t inspected this home since 2020. The infractions basically, they are really serious so I am really interested to hear the outcome of this investigation. I am calling on the Seniors Advocate to play a role here. I think that is very important.”
Cassista says, “I have written a letter to Mr. Fitch and I’ve sent it out to an email, raising concerns and impressing upon the department to take a serious look at the report of the Forgotten Generations. It had great recommendations and logical explanation as to what has to happen. I think, you know, if we don’t move forward to correct what’s going on in these facilities that our seniors are going to continue to fall to the wayside.”
Cassista says she was astounded when she heard the news of the death, “Our seniors are at risk today if we don’t move forward and correct what is going on in these homes.”
