Preparing for the second wave of COVID-19: What is the plan?

This is a question I have often asked from government officials. Following recent consultations, we are told a plan is on its way, soon to be released. The problem is, the full trust that nurses had at the outset of the first wave of COVID-19 was eroded by the anguish we, and other stakeholders, experienced as we moved for months at a snail’s pace to respond to emerging needs. This is why, as the CEO of the largest professional association in Ontario, and as an engaged leader, I feel it is my responsibility to share our thoughts and invite feedback.

RNAO releases list of 35 reports and recommendations dating back 20 years documenting the government’s failings of Ontario long-term care sector

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Our plea for action to safeguard the safety of residents in LTC continues. We have all been in shock at the tragedy that has befallen so many of our elders due to systemic neglect and faulty policies that have been going for too long. RNAO issued last week a new report summarizing two decades of reports, inquiry and commission – and calling on the government to take action, not engage in more study and deliberation.

RNAO Calls for Immediate Action in Response to the Canadian Armed Forces’ LTC report with Minister Fullerton’s July 31 Report to Legislature

Press release: RNAO is calling on the government to take immediate and concrete action to address the long-standing shortfalls in long-term care (LTC) homes made blatantly evident in the Canadian Armed Forces’ report. Rather than only relying on a future commission, the immediate step is to start implementing the recommendations from past inquiries and commissions, starting with the report on the adequacy of regulated staffing in LTC due on July 31. This is a requirement in the 2019 recommendations of The Long-Term Care Homes Public Inquiry.