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

SASK. NDP PUSHES FOR GAS TAX RELIEF AS SASKATCHEWAN FACES HIGHEST PUMP PRICES IN THE PRAIRIES

EMERGENCY MOTION WILL LOWER GAS PRICES BY 15 CENTS STARTING TOMORROW

REGINA – As Saskatchewan drivers struggle with the highest gas prices in the Prairies, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck and her caucus will introduce an emergency motion today in the Legislature that will slash gasoline and diesel prices by 15 cents per litre starting tomorrow. 

Same Old Throne Speech from the Same Old Sask. Party

After 17 years, Sask. Party offers no new solutions on critical issues, like affordability and healthcare 

REGINA – Today’s Speech from the Throne was more of the same from the same old Sask. Party. After 17 years, the Sask. Party is out of ideas and pressing ahead with a plan that will see devastating cuts to healthcare and education.

Sask Party’s Broken Promises Leading To 130 Layoffs, Official Court Filings Show

Government’s Incompetence on Economy Spurs Lawsuit

REGINA - Saskatchewan NDP Jobs and Economy Shadow Minister Aleana Young is calling on the Sask. Party government to take responsibility for decisions that have jeopardized jobs in Martensville and Warman, as revealed in official court filings.

Share this post