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REGINA – CUPE 3967 is concerned about the closing of 27 beds at Regina Lutheran Home, which will displace 27 senior residents. The union learned about the closures at a meeting yesterday afternoon where management advised that the relocation and closure could happen by November 8.

“Every bed that closes in long term care facilities means a senior loses their home,” says Scott McDonald, president of CUPE 3967. “The lack of adequate government funding for long term care facilities is causing anxiety and grief to some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Residents will be assessed over the next two weeks and those assessed as level 3 may remain at Regina Lutheran Home. CUPE members are very concerned about the residents they care for. Some residents have lived at Regina Lutheran Home for over ten years. “It is their home, and caregivers consider them family,” notes McDonald.

“Most older people dislike change and find it really difficult,” adds McDonald. “It’s a shame that residents are not in the top priorities of government funding decisions. While government has money to invest in a stadium, the elderly are being told they have to leave their home. Nobody wants that for their parents and loved ones.”

Regina Lutheran Home had proposed that the government fund a renovation of the facility so it could accommodate level 3 residents. The government turned down the request put through the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. 

“During a time when the system is already under such stress, the community is facing the elimination of 27 beds,” says CUPE Health Care Council President Gordon Campbell.

Campbell is referring to the lack of adequate funding and a province-wide shortage of long-term care beds. Seniors who should be in a long-term care facility are waiting in hospitals for a place, causing stress on hospitals and the health care system.

These closures also mean the elimination of 13 full-time jobs at Regina Lutheran Home.


For more information contact:

CUPE 3967 President: Scott McDonald / work 757-7925

CUPE National Health Sector Coordinator: Suzanne Posyniak / cell 529-5293