Long-term Care facilities “critical” and crumbling, $3.5 billion in repairs needed: NDP

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for infrastructure investments into Saskatchewan Long-term Care homes and a concrete plan to address healthcare infrastructure after written questions submitted by the NDP revealed the value of needed repairs in Saskatchewan’s Health facilities has risen to $3.5 billion.

“Facilities across the province are crumbling and understaffed, and residents aren’t getting the care they need — that’s what we heard loud and clear from last week’s CEO report,” said NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat. “With these deferred maintenance numbers today, we can see just how bad the problem has gotten, with $3.5 billion in repairs needed to restore these facilities to the kind of condition you’d feel comfortable letting a loved one stay in.”

There were $2.2 billion worth of needed repairs in Saskatchewan Health facilities in 2013, a figure that has now ballooned to a staggering $3,491,710,984, an increase of 59% since the last VFA report was released.

The document released by the NDP also shows the average facility condition index in each of the former health regions as of last summer. A facility rated at 35 per cent or higher is considered “critical.” Fully two thirds (eight out of 12) of the regions’ health facilities were in critical condition, including Regina Qu’Appelle (52 per cent) and Saskatoon (49 per cent).

This year’s CEO Tour report highlights many examples of seniors living in inadequate housing conditions and with limited access to quality-of-life equipment:

“Infrastructure concerns, ongoing issues related to roof leak that has impacted use of the dining/common area. Ongoing for years, very challenging” (Lumsden, 109).
“Home is old - asbestos labelling; crowded hallways; mold issues in tub room” (Moose Jaw, p. 127).
“Sidewalk and ramp breaking down creating a tripping hazard outside the building” (Meadow Lake, p. 118).
“Call system is a continuing concern; Phone system is also beyond repair with constant challenges” (Middle Lake, p. 124).

“By letting the infrastructure issues continue to linger, the Sask. Party is simply letting more and more people down,” said NDP Seniors Critic Danielle Chartier. “The Premier needs to shelve the talking points and step up with a real plan that ensures seniors are safe in their care homes and receiving the dignified care they deserve.”

Latest posts

160 BLANK PAGES: IGNORANT SASK. PARTY HIDES INFORMATION ON STATE OF CRUMBLING SCHOOLS

Wednesday Marks First Day Of School For Many Saskatchewan Students

SASKATOON — Saskatchewan families and school divisions deserve answers about the condition of their schools, but the Sask. Party government has once again chosen secrecy over transparency, returning 160 blank pages in response to a Freedom of Information request seeking information about the state of school buildings across Saskatchewan.

EVEN AFTER GETTING CAUGHT WASTING TENS OF BILLIONS WITH NO OVERSIGHT, SCOTT MOE PLOWS AHEAD WITH COAL CATSTROPHE

Sask. Party Awards Contracts To Two Out-Of-Province Companies Even In Face Of Massive Costs For Consumers, Widespread Pushback
REGINA – Despite an avalanche of public outrage against Scott Moe and Jeremy Harrison's coal catastrophe, the Sask. Party government is pressing ahead. While every independent report, and their own appointed Rate Review Panel, have made clear that their coal plan is the most expensive and highest risk option, Scott Moe and Jeremy Harrison are ploughing ahead.

CARLA BECK TAKES CALL FOR ACTION ON TRUMP TARIFFS STRAIGHT TO SCOTT MOE’S DOOR

Sask. Party Denied Calls Monday To Reconvene Legislature Immediately, Willing To Do Nothing For 56 More Days

SASKATOON - Carla Beck and her team took their call for urgent action on Donald Trump’s escalating trade war straight to the Sask. Party cabinet office Tuesday, demanding the Premier recall the Legislature and get to work protecting Saskatchewan jobs and making life more affordable.

MOE’S BUMBLING PUBLIC SAFETY MINISTER SPENDS EXTRA $50 MILLION ON THURSDAY... DOESN’T TELL SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE A THING ABOUT WHY

Weger Failed On Bombers, Was MIA As The Marshal’s Militarized And Now He’s Writing Himself Blank Cheques

REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is demanding Scott Moe and the Sask. Party start treating Saskatchewan people with the respect and dignity they deserve after documents made public show the government’s stumbling and bumbling Public Safety Minister greenlit $50 million in additional spending last Thursday ... and didn’t tell the public why.

NDP Caucus Office