By Shaun Penner

Manoir du Lac

Lack of staff, improper screening identified at Manoir du Lac says Chief Medical Officer

Apr 17, 2020 | 4:53 PM

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says the need to have Alberta Health Services take over operations at a McLennan seniors home where an outbreak of COVID-19 has been found is because the proper level of care was not being given to its residents to protect them from the disease.

Speaking at Friday’s COVID-19 update following the news that Alberta Health Services had taken over day-to-day operations at the Manoir du Lac continuing care facility, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the move had to be made for the well-being of its residents.

“Public health determined the protocols for keeping residents safe and well cared for were not being followed. The health and safety of residents in seniors care facilities is of the utmost importance.”

Dr. Hinshaw said some of the issues that were determined by public health officials at that site were an inadequate level of staff, as well as work hours being too long for staff members.

She also says an inadequate level of screening of staff, as well as visitors coming to the facility, was also found.

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“Care standards for residents were not being met, and Personal Protective Equipment was not being used properly,” said Dr. Hinshaw.

AHS says it will be taking immediate action to improve controls on the outbreak and improve upon prevention measures.

“Effective immediately, residents at Manoir du Lac will undergo daily screenings, including a temperature check and symptom monitoring,” reads a statement from AHS. “Residents displaying new respiratory symptoms will be isolated in their room and staff caring for them will be wearing all recommended personal protective equipment. These measures are standard practice at all AHS continuing care facilities in Alberta.”

Dr. Hinshaw also said the province will be working to get more staff to that facility to help deal with the outbreak.

A total of 26 residents at Manoir du Lac have tested positive for COVID-19, while 11 staff members have been confirmed to have contracted the disease.

A total of 62 residents live at the facility, while there are 70 staff members, according to Alberta Health Services.

Five residents have died as a result of COVID-19.