Nursing home staff union wants whistleblower protection, better standards
CALGARY – The President of CUPE Alberta is calling the long-term care review ‘a step in the right direction, but still disappointing.’
CUPE Alberta President D’Arcy Lanovaz said he was pleased that the report recognized the need for more and better paid staff in nursing homes. But said it meant little without specific dollars attached.
“Without developing standards for staff to resident ratios, or strict cleanliness standards, or dietary standards, the money can be squandered.”
Lanovaz said whistleblower protection for staff and families who report poor standards or wasteful spending would help make sure the money goes to the right place.
“If the staff are not comfortable coming forward with problems in specific nursing homes, new money can end up in administration, or pet projects for managers – rather than increased front line care.”
Lanovaz was critical of the MLA committee for playing politics with the report, saying Liberal MLA Bridget Pastoor should have played a role in the final report.
“This was supposed to be a non-partisan report,” said Lanovaz. “Instead the MLAs got bogged down in squabbling when they should have been working together for the benefit of Alberta Seniors.”
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