The Ontario government has started a public inquiry into the province’s long-term care facilities.
The Honorable Justice Eileen Gillese, an Ontario Court of Appeal judge, has been chosen to lead an independent look at the policies, procedures and oversight of long-term care homes. The Ontario government says the primary focus will be the circumstances and systemic issues that led to the assault and death of residents being cared for by Elizabeth Wettlaufer, a former registered nurse at long-term care homes in Southwestern Ontario.
According to the province the broad mandate includes reviewing the accountability measures already in place to be sure they meet the objectives of the Long-Term Care Homes Act, as well as provide recommendations on how to improve the safety and well-being of residents.
Justice Gillese’s appointment went into effect earlier this week but a final report is not expected to be delivered to the Attorney General until July 31st, 2019. The report and its recommendations will be made available to the public. The Ontario government say the inquiry is one of many steps they are taking to protect the safety of residents and ensure long-term care homes are offering the highest standard of care.