Norm Macdonald MLA                                Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

February 28th, 2008

Minister laughs, dismisses high risk licensing report on Mt. Cartier as trivial

In question period today, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald raised concerns with the level of care provided at Mt. Cartier Court residential care facility in Revelstoke. 

Macdonald brought forward the case of Hank Horsthuis who resides at Mt. Cartier.

“On January 30th, I met with Mrs. Horsthuis in her home and I heard her heart-breaking story about how much she worries about her husband, and how desperate she is to see an improvement in the care her husband receives,” said Macdonald.  “Family members depend on care facilities to provide a reasonable level of service when they are no longer able to care for that loved one at home; they need to be able to feel confidence that their loved ones will be safe and comfortable.

“What is happening to these residents in Mt. Cartier Court simply is not good enough and no reasonable person would say that seniors should live in diminished circumstances because a government agency was disorganized or underfunded.”

Reading from an inspection report dated February 21st, 2008 which indicated a high hazard risk for the facility, Macdonald listed numerous risks that have been cited by licensing officers. 

• The facility is without a manager
• The facility is charged with numerous, on-going contraventions of the Adult Care Regulations
• Water is leaking through the roof, water buckets and blankets are obstructing hallways
• ‘Wander watches’ for residents don’t work
• Some bed alarms don’t work
• Staff electronic communication devices don’t work

When Macdonald asked the Minister of Health what he was doing to improve care for seniors in Mt. Cartier Court, Minister Abbott was derisive and dismissive.

“It is clear from these reports made by the Ministry’s appointed investigators that Mt. Cartier is in chaos, and residents are at risk, yet this Minister does not even care enough to listen to Mrs. Horsthuis story and respond to her concerns in a respectful manner.”