Quebec Ombudsman Calls for Review of Long-Term Care Model After COVID-19 Deaths | The Canadian News

The Quebec ombudsman is calling for a broad review of how the province cares for older people.

Marie Rinfret issued the recommendation in her highly critical report released Tuesday on the government’s handling of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in spring 2020.

She concludes that government officials took a “hospital-centric” approach to preparing for the pandemic and neglected the danger posed by long-term care homes despite the frailty of their residents.

The report presents a picture of a healthcare system plunged into chaos, resulting in impromptu decisions, confusion around staffing and a failure to properly enforce directives.

2:25Obvious Defects in Quebec Long-Term Care Homes repeatedly noted prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Ombudsman says

Almost 4,000 people died in long-term care homes between February and June 2020, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the deaths reported in Quebec during the first wave.

Rinfret’s 27 recommendations include adopting a risk assessment and management policy in long-term care homes, creating a detailed plan for infection prevention and control measures, and rethinking how the province provides living spaces. for the elderly.

See link »