Quantcast
Channel: David Raymond Amos Round 3
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3475

Nursing home wait list hits record high — and is now holding up 500 hospital beds

$
0
0
 
 

Re: NB Nursing home wait list hits record high and is now holding up 500 hospital beds

 

David Amos

<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Fri, Dec 16, 2022 at 12:24 PM
To: "bruce.fitch"<bruce.fitch@gnb.ca>, "Jean-Yves.Duclos"<Jean-Yves.Duclos@parl.gc.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, PREMIER <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>, premier <premier@gov.yk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, CDonovan@shannex.com, lizkramer@hotmail.com, bdraper@shannex.com, info@shannex.com, Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca, jean-claude.d'amours@gnb.ca, alexandre.silberman@cbc.ca, gdrapeau@shannex.com, "Dorothy.Shephard"<Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, laura.lyall@bellmedia.ca, "robert.gauvin"<robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, coalitionnb@gmail.com, "Wayne.Long"<Wayne.Long@parl.gc.ca>, "rob.moore"<rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, "John.Williamson"<John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>, "Dominic.Cardy"<Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)"<megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, info@nbanh.com, "jagmeet.singh"<jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, "Katie.Telford"<Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, "pierre.poilievre"<pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, "jake.stewart"<jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>, "robert.mckee"<robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, "Richard.Bragdon"<Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca>, premier <premier@gnb.ca>, "kris.austin"<kris.austin@gnb.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "Hamish.Wright"<Hamish.Wright@gnb.ca>, "john.green"<john.green@gnb.ca>, "hugh.flemming"<hugh.flemming@gnb.ca>, "blaine.higgs"<blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>


 
 
 ---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:33:55 -0400
Subject: Re: NB Nursing home wait list hits record high and is now
holding up 500 hospital beds
To: Alyson Sheffar <asheffar@shannex.com>

Nope

On 12/16/22, Alyson Sheffar <asheffar@shannex.com> wrote:
> Hi David,
>
> I am pretty sure you have accidently added me to this email distribution
> list in error.
>
> Thanks
>
> Alyson Sheffar
> Business Manager
>
> Parkland In the Valley/Parkland Saint John
> 19 Shannex Drive, Quispamsis, NB E2E 0M4
> P: 506-848-3174 C:506-343-4445 F: 506-849-7275
> experienceparkland.com
> Follow us on Facebook!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
> Sent: December 16, 2022 12:24 PM
> To: bruce.fitch <bruce.fitch@gnb.ca>; Jean-Yves.Duclos
> <Jean-Yves.Duclos@parl.gc.ca>; premier <premier@ontario.ca>; PREMIER
> <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>; premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>; Office of the Premier
> <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>; premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>; premier
> <premier@gov.bc.ca>; premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>; premier
> <premier@gov.nt.ca>; premier <premier@gov.yk.ca>; premier
> <premier@gov.nl.ca>; CDonovan@shannex.com; lizkramer@hotmail.com; Alyson
> Sheffar <asheffar@shannex.com>; info <info@shannex.com>;
> Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca; jean-claude.d'amours@gnb.ca;
> alexandre.silberman@cbc.ca; gdrapeau@shannex.com; Dorothy.Shephard
> <Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>; laura.lyall@bellmedia.ca; robert.gauvin
> <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>; coalitionnb@gmail.com; Wayne.Long
> <Wayne.Long@parl.gc.ca>; rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>; John.Williamson
> <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>; Dominic.Cardy <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>; Mitton,
> Megan (LEG) <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>; info@nbanh.com; jagmeet.singh
> <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>; pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>; Katie.Telford
> <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>; pierre.poilievre
> <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>; jake.stewart <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>;
> robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>; Richard.Bragdon
> <Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca>; premier <premier@gnb.ca>; kris.austin
> <kris.austin@gnb.ca>
> Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>; Hamish.Wright
> <Hamish.Wright@gnb.ca>; john.green <john.green@gnb.ca>; hugh.flemming
> <hugh.flemming@gnb.ca>; blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>
> Subject: Re: NB Nursing home wait list hits record high and is now holding
> up 500 hospital beds
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not
> click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
> content is safe.
>
> MORE Deja Vu or What???
 
 
 

Nursing home wait list hits record high — and is now holding up 500 hospital beds

New data comes as hospitals face surge of flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights, said 833 people are on the waitlist as of November. Of those, approximately 483 are in hospital

That's up from 782 and 455 in October, according to data from the Department of Social Development.

Cassista described the numbers as "astounding" and "very upsetting."

They're the highest they've been since she started tracking them in 2006-07, she said.

"I'm really… frustrated because the government is not taking the responsible role to make sure that our most vulnerable seniors are protected. And it's just like they've been forgotten."

The latest statistics come as the triple threat of respiratory illnesses— the flu, respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, and COVID-19 — increases the strain on the hospital system.

Created emergency care beds during COVID surge

In January, during a surge of COVID-19 Omicron hospitalizations, the Department of Social Development announced it would work with long-term care home operators to create emergency care beds for people waiting in hospital for placements in a bid to reduce pressure on the health-care system.

The beds, primarily in special care homes, would provide short-term alternate placements for patients until a bed in their preferred location became available, the department said in a news release at the time.

CBC asked both the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health whether they plan to relocate any of the hundreds of seniors waiting in hospital and free up hospital beds for patients with respiratory viruses and other illnesses, but did not receive any response.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the province also introduced an "urgent nursing home placement process" to free up hospital beds occupied by the so-called alternate level of care (ALC) patients. About 65 seniors were transferred to nursing home beds to make way for an anticipated influx of COVID-19 patients.

Space in special care homes

There are 71 licensed nursing homes across New Brunswick that provide 4,953 beds.

But as of Nov. 13, the latest figures available, 276 beds sat vacant due to staff shortages, among various other reasons. 

According to Cassista, there are beds available in special care homes — but they're expensive. The beds cost between $5,000 and $6,000 a month, compared to about $3,450 a month.

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights, says seniors languishing in hospital beds while they wait for a nursing home bed are being 'overlooked,' and the government must do better. (Submitted by Cecile Cassista)

Cassista said that would cost less than keeping seniors in a hospital bed, which she said costs around $800 to $1,000 a day.

It would also be better for the seniors, whose health can deteriorate while they wait in hospital, she said, which could extend the time they have to remain in hospital.

"Hospital's no place for anyone to languish. It's there for sick people," she said.

The New Brunswick Special Care Home Association did not respond Thursday to a request for an interview about the availability or cost of beds. In January, president Jan Seely told CBC about 800 of the province's 7,000 special care beds were vacant.

Failed to address increased demand

Last year, then-auditor general Kim Adair-MacPherson said the government had failed to address the increased demand for nursing homes. In her report, she cited July 2020 statistics. At that time, 773 seniors were waiting for a nursing home placement. Of those, 365 were waiting in hospital.

The number of seniors over the age of 75 will double by 2036, warned Adair-MacPherson.

"The province is not ready for the increase in seniors requiring placement in a residential facility," she said.

This graph from the auditor general's report in February 2021 shows about half of all seniors on the waiting list for a nursing home are waiting in a hospital. (Government of New Brunswick)

Three weeks ago, the province announced plans to build four 60-bed nursing homes in Bathurst, Bouctouche, Moncton and Oromocto. It will be a couple of years before they open, said Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard.

The four homes are part of the government's 2018-2023 Nursing Home Plan to build 10 homes, adding about 600 beds.

Cassista called the plan to build new homes "ludicrous."

"I don't know who's going to staff them."

There were nearly 400 job vacancies in the sector, as of August.

Focus on recruitment

Instead, she thinks the government should focus on a better recruitment strategy and said this could include loosening accreditation requirements for trained and qualified immigrants.

"Get them working alongside other workers. I mean, these are smart people that [are] coming here. They're well-educated. … We should put them in the profession that they've actually studied for," she said.

The Department of Social Development is working with partners, such as the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, the regional health authorities, and Department of Health to "explore several solutions to the challenges the long-term care sector has encountered," spokesperson Rebecca Howland said in an emailed statement.

Among the initiatives, the department is working to ensure "active representation" at multiple job fairs online and in person, at national and international levels, she said.

 Health-care workers in the hospital system are caring for hundreds of seniors awaiting nursing home beds. (Craig Chivers/CBC News)

Cassista would also like to see the assessment process streamlined. As it stands, it can take months, she said.

She maintains seniors would be better served under the Department of Health, as they were prior to 2000, and as they are in other provinces. The Department of Social Development is "so huge and so complex" she said, that seniors are "getting lost in the system."

She also called for more resources for home care.

Howland said Social Development added staff to discharge teams within hospitals earlier this year to assist with the process of moving seniors waiting in hospitals to nursing homes.

"As all of our efforts continue, the department will work closely with facility operators to ensure New Brunswickers receive the best care and support possible," she said.

"Although the Department of Social Development is focused on responding to the growing aging population in the coming years, we also want to ensure the needs of New Brunswick's most vulnerable are met now."

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
88 Comments
 
 

David Amos
Oh My My
 

David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Deja Vu Anyone???

"COVID-19 outbreaks stretch resources at nursing homes"

Methinks the last comment yesterday was the best N'esy Pas?

Chance Boudreaux asked

"I still can't visit my father in law because I'm an unclean non vaccinated person. Mysteriously they're in an outbreak and they're all quad jabbed. Where's the logic?"
 
 
Gary Greenwood 
Reply to David Amos
There is no logic. I’m now a fin believer the elites and government are working on overpopulation.. medical is only one issue, add in all the rest and the number of deaths increase  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Gary Greenwood
I am not much of a believer in anything unless I experience things at a personal level. The Georgia Guidestones and the Coral Castle have been interesting mysteries to me for many years and quite simply don't know what to believe.

That said on a lighter note....

Methinks its rather ironic that something so rare is called "Common Sense" N'esy Pas?

 

 




Billy Popamahovilich

Why not just offer assisted suicide ? That's the norm now. 1 in 30 deaths in Canada.


David Amos

Reply to Billy Popamahovilich
How can you be allowed to post such a wicked opinion while my post is blocked??? 
 
 
Rick Gates 
Reply toDavid Amos
Ask most anyone, who has known someone with severe dementia, if they would want to live for years like that, or leave beforehand, and many, maybe most, would welcome the opportunity to leave beforehand.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Rick Gates
My Mother is 99 and living in Shannex in Saint John while receiving the best of care Although she is suffering from with severe dementia I dare you to ask her or any of my siblings that question Trust that some of us are very religious 
 


David Amos
Content Deactivated

 
 
 

Hundreds of nursing home beds sit vacant because of staff shortages

Nearly 400 job vacancies, advocate calls for action

That's because there are nearly 400 job vacancies in the sector, hard-hit by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, hundreds of seniors are waiting to be placed in nursing homes; many of them stuck in hospital beds.

That, in turn, limits the number of emergency room patients who can be admitted to hospital — an issue that has raised concerns in recent months after several incidents, including the death of a man waiting for care at Fredericton's Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital ER, and a man being discharged from the same ER just hours after breaking his neck in a motorcycle crash.

The province has announced new nursing homes and plans to add nine in the coming years, a total of 600 more beds.

But it can't adequately staff the ones it has, said Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights.

                                            Cecile Cassista, executive director, Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights, said the stories of 'neglect' she hears from families 'infuriate' her. (Submitted by Cecile Cassista)

"There's something wrong with this picture," she said.

Cassista has "deep concerns" about the care nursing home residents get, given the staffing shortages.

She has heard accounts from families of seniors being locked in their rooms, with no visiting, stimulation, or outings. Some residents are left in their pyjamas all day and go weeks with no bath, she said.

She is also worried about the strain on the existing staff and the impact on the hospital system.

Cassista is calling on the government to deal with the nursing home staff shortages and to implement uniform rules that would allow family members to visit their loved ones and assist with their care, even during COVID-19 outbreaks. In addition, she wants the government to find more suitable temporary placements, such as special care homes, for the seniors waiting in hospital beds.

"We no longer want lip service. We want action."

'Forgotten generation'

About 275 nursing home beds — about 5.5 per cent of the province's 4,953 beds — were vacant as of the end of July, according to the Department of Social Development.

The majority of vacancies are due to staffing shortages, the department confirmed, although there are other factors, including closures due to COVID outbreaks.

There were 775 seniors waiting to get into nursing homes, as of the end of July, according to Cassista, up from 720 in June.

Of those, 429 were in hospitals, a 12 per cent jump from June's 382—an "outrageous" number, she said, noting it hovered around 70 in the mid-2000s.

Now, the Moncton region, Zone 1, and Saint John region, Zone 2, alone each have more than that, at 103 and 94,  respectively, according to figures the coalition obtained from Social Development.

"Four hundred languishing in a hospital bed is not acceptable," said Cassista.

"It just seems that these are the forgotten generation. People are not paying attention, and it's very difficult for the family member[s] to speak out. They're afraid of reprisals."

Filling positions 'a high priority'

Seniors advocate Kelly Lamrock said he is aware of the "trend" of nursing home beds being left vacant due to because of staff shortages.

But he said he could not offer further comment, since he hasn't fully investigated the issue.

Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said the number of vacant nursing home beds causes her "great concern," as does the number of seniors waiting in hospital beds, where they're "not getting the optimal care that they deserve."

"We need to get them into nursing homes as quickly as possible for their own benefit, but two, having those beds empty will free up resources at hospitals so that patients can be moved out of the ER into floors."

Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said the province needs to be 'dogged' about recruiting nursing home employees and 'try to create good, healthy work environments for people to flourish.' (Pat Richard/CBC)

Filling the nursing home staff vacancies "has got to be a high priority" for her department, along with the departments of Health and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Shephard said.

She said the province hopes to work with both the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes and the employee union to try to raise staffing levels and make sure all beds are used.

Union 'deeply alarmed' heading into fall

Sharon Teare, president of the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions, says employers and employees are both doing the best they can with the resources they have. But it's not enough.

"The union is deeply alarmed as to what nursing homes will look like if we don't address with some real incentives to have staffing in place to care for our seniors."

The reality the frontline workers face every day is heartbreaking, said Teare. She cited the example of a worker at a home where each employee takes care of 19 residents.

I'm sure there's not a family member out there who would be OK with their loved one, you know, [receiving] compromised care, because that's where we're at today because of the lack of staffing.
- Sharon Teare, New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions president

"And then she's left to go home and tend to her own family, you know, with no time left to care for herself," she said.

"You cannot provide adequate care if you're not caring for the worker who cares for the seniors."

Difficult working conditions related to staff shortages are causing employees to leave and preventing the nearly 400 permanent, part-time and casual positions from being filled, said Teare.

The New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions is planning a tour of the province to meet with its membership to get a realistic picture of what's happening in the nursing homes, said president Sharon Teare. (CBC)

Workers are exhausted — physically, emotionally and mentally, she said.

"The overall mental health of our workforce is depleted. It has taken an extreme toll. I mean, understanding that as a nursing home worker, you take great honour in being able to care for our most valuable seniors.

"And when you're not able to have the adequate resources, such as staffing, to be able to do that, it most certainly takes a drain because you know you're not able to give them or provide all of what it is that they deserve."

Wages don't reflect the actual work employees do, according to Teare. Some may be doing the work of three people but getting paid the salary of only one, she said. "That's not what I consider fair."

Nurses to kitchen staff needed

Julie Weir, CEO of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, says the long-term care industry is struggling to find employees just as other industries are.

"It is a national issue. And we're competing against one another in terms of provinces to be able to bring people in, to be able to fill these positions."

It's not just care positions, such as nurses, she noted, but a wide range of employees, including kitchen staff.

"We've known that the shortage has been coming our way," said Weir, referring to the aging population, more people retiring, more people requiring care and a shrinking pool of working-age people. "We've just never felt it quite as prominently as we are at this time."

The past two years of the pandemic have made it more challenging to replace people who retire, she said, citing COVID-19 travel restrictions as an example.

One step the province took last year was to make it more affordable for New Brunswickers to train to become personal support workers, or PSWs. The Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour announced last August that full tuition fees would be covered.

Nearly 900 people were trained, the department said.

There will be more than 500 personal support worker job openings per year, according to labour market forecasts. (iStock)

A total of 215 WorkingNB clients had their tuition at the college programs offered across the province covered. An additional 677 people were trained on-site by employers, who will be reimbursed by the province.

The union was optimistic when the program was announced, said Teare. "But we didn't see any of those students in the program come to nursing homes."

Instead, they went to work in other fields, such as hospitals and community care, she said.

Teare recently submitted a recommendation to have paid tuition for personal support workers designated solely for nursing homes. Graduate would have to work in a nursing home for a minimum of six months, she said.

"Because I think once you're exposed to the sector, it is very rewarding when you're not overworked."

The need for personal support workers is growing, according to the Labour Department. Labour market forecasts indicate thousands of them will be needed over the next 10 years.

The latest forecasts show there will be more than 500 PSW job openings per year.

'Rowing in the same direction'

The association is working with the government departments to find ways to find PSWs and other employees, said Weir.

"We are working very well together because we need one another through this."

                                            Julie Weir, CEO of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, said nursing home staff have 'gone above and beyond what is expected of them or what they anticipated' when they went into the sector to provide the care residents need. (Submitted by Julie Weir)

Not only are they competing against other provinces, she said, but they are often competing against each other for the workers who do come.

"So we need to have a concerted front and make sure that we're all in the boat rowing in the same direction."

The association is trying to recruit internationally educated nurses from other countries, hoping they will choose to practise in the long-term care sector, for example, but encouraging them to work in whichever sector they want.

It's also holding job fairs across Canada, trying to entice workers to come to New Brunswick, based on the lifestyle and the cost of living.

Teare welcomes the recruitment efforts, but said they don't address the current "critical staffing issues."

"So we're asking for immediate incentives to draw those individuals into the sector — universal policies within the nursing homes. So it's continuity and consistency of application, which is extremely important, as well as bringing in some mental health [programs] to address the impacts that those … currently on the front line are facing."

The union is also working on a profile of the sector to help attract staff and shed light on what Teare called the "lack of resources" the province gives employers to operate their nursing home.

With files from Maeve McFadden

 
 
185 Comments
 
 

David Amos 
The subject of hospitals and nursing homes and the plight of the employees to taking care of our old folks was always a hot topic every time I ran for public office in New Brunswick since 2004.

Methinks after18 very long years matters have gotten much worse N'esy Pas???


 

A senior says she ended up in the ER after being denied the COVID treatment Paxlovid

Oral treatment that prevents COVID-related hospitalization, death is not widely used

Patricia Johnston, 72, of Edmonton recently contracted a bad case of COVID-19. She said she sought a prescription for Paxlovid from her doctor to help stave off the worst effects of the disease.

The treatment, which was approved by Health Canada in January, has reduced the incidence of hospitalization and death in clinical trials and real world circumstances.

Paxlovid treatment must be started within five days of the onset of symptoms. Johnston said she asked for a prescription on day three.

Johnston said she was turned down, that she was told she didn't meet Alberta's guidelines for the oral treatment — a pill regimen designed for high-risk patients such as seniors and the immunocompromised, among others.

'I was terrified'

Shortly after she was denied access, she said, her condition took a turn. What started as a bout of the usual symptoms — a sore throat and chest cough — quickly deteriorated into COVID-related gastrointestinal issues.

She said her symptoms were so severe — an agonizing headache and persistent dehydration — that she required immediate medical attention.

"I got very, very sick. I had this terrible headache. I had nausea, dizziness and severe vomiting such that I had to go to the emergency room," Johnston told CBC News. "I was terrified."

WATCH | COVID-19 antiviral drug going unused in Canada:

COVID-19 antiviral drug going unused in Canada

Duration 2:03
Canada has an abundance of Paxlovid, a treatment for COVID-19 that’s effective at reducing hospitalizations, but few patients are getting the treatment due to the difficulty in getting access to it.

Johnston said her COVID ordeal continued after she was discharged. She spent nearly a month feeling unwell, even after she started to test negative.

She said Paxlovid should have been made available to her, a senior, to help make the whole experience less taxing.

"COVID is a brutal, brutal virus to have. I wanted to protect myself," she said.

Johnston said Alberta's Paxlovid guidelines for outpatient use are too restrictive.

And Alberta's criteria are more onerous than those in some other jurisdictions.

Patricia Johnston is seen in a forest. Patricia Johnston, 72, recently came down with a bad case of COVID-19. She was denied a prescription for Paxlovid, an oral treatment used to prevent COVID-related hospitalization and death, because she didn't meet Alberta's guidelines for the drug. (Supplied by Patricia Johnston)

Under Alberta's rules, a patient aged 70 or older like Johnston can access the treatment only if they have COVID and at least two other pre-existing health conditions — such as diabetes, obesity, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Younger people, the unvaccinated and First Nations have a different set of criteria.

In Ontario, by comparison, any COVID patient over the age of 60 qualifies for a Paxlovid prescription. Younger people in Ontario can also access the treatment if they're immunocompromised or face a high risk of a severe case of COVID.

"I think a decision as to whether or not a patient should get Paxlovid should be between the doctor and their patient. The guidelines should definitely be there but the final decision should be with the physician. The government should not be involved," Johnston said.

"I believe I wouldn't have had to suffer through all that had I had Paxlovid. We can mitigate the disease's effects if we use all the tools that are available."

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping denied CBC's request for an interview.

Hamilton doctor Zain Chagla is seen in his office.   Dr. Zain Chagla was among the first physicians in Canada to start a COVID treatment clinic. He says Paxlovid should be more widely used for high-risk COVID-19 patients. (Tina MacKenzie/CBC News)

Dr. Zain Chagla is an infectious diseases expert and a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton. Chagla was among the first physicians to start a COVID treatment clinic in Canada.

Chagla told CBC News that while COVID-19 is less of an issue now than it has been in years past, it's still a deadly virus.

Nearly three years since the start of the pandemic, 40 people are still dying of COVID every day in Canada on average.

"We aren't seeing the same significant health care burden as we did in years past. But there are definitely still groups that are getting sick, and sick enough to land in hospital and ... sick enough to die. We need to use all the tools we have to navigate this pandemic," Chagla said.

He said Paxlovid is "absolutely a useful tool but it's only useful if it's actually given to people."

'It's ... incredibly simple to take'

Data from Israel, the U.S. and Ontario has shown the drug can "markedly reduce hospitalization and reduce death in high-risk people," Chagla said.

"It's also incredibly simple to take. It's only five days worth of pills."

Speaking to reporters at a briefing Wednesday, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, said the Paxlovid rollout has been imperfect. She said there's more the federal public health establishment can do to bring doctors along.

"I think increased awareness and education among health professionals is something we can assist with," Tam said.

Doctors themselves also should do more to educate the public about the potential benefits of the treatment, she said.

"We can collectively do more in that area, particularly those with high-risk conditions or seniors," Tam said. "It can significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths in high-risk groups, particularly in seniors."

Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says Ottawa has set aside ample supplies of Paxlovid for the provinces. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said supply shouldn't be an issue for the provinces and territories — there's plenty to go around.

"We'll be there to share whatever provinces and territories require to care for patients," he said.

The federal government has ordered 1.5 million Paxlovid treatment courses.

According to federal health department figures, Canada has budgeted $2 billion for COVID treatments — not including vaccines — and a significant portion of that sum has been earmarked for Paxlovid.

To date, 745,465 treatment courses have been distributed to provinces and territories, Correctional Services Canada, the Department of National Defence and Indigenous Services Canada.

Another 754,535 treatment courses will be delivered over the next two weeks.

But given how little it's been used to this point, there's a risk those Paxlovid kits could go to waste.

Alberta has received 86,000 doses of Paxlovid from the Public Health Agency of Canada. As of Dec. 12, about 10,200 Albertans have received the treatment.

In Saskatchewan, the number is even lower. Of the 24,050 courses the province has received, only 1,529 had been used as of Dec. 11. That's about six per cent of the total.

To help ease access, Ontario recently joined Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador in allowing pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid.

That means most patients in those provinces can skip a call to the doctor altogether — something that will make it easier for sick patients to get treatment within the five-day timeframe.

A spokesperson for Ontario's health ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Pharmacist Scott Watson stands in his Ottawa pharmacy. Pharmacists like Ottawa's Scott Watson are now able to prescribe COVID-19 oral treatment Paxlovid in Ontario after provincial changes to prescription rules. (Marc Robichaud/CBC)

Scott Watson is a pharmacist at Watson's Pharmacy in Ottawa. He said he's heard from a number of COVID patients eager to get Paxlovid. Those calls often come in the evening or on the weekend when access to a family doctor is limited, he said.

Before the Ontario government cleared pharmacies to prescribe Paxlovid, Watson's hands were tied. Now, the pharmacy can be a one-stop shop.

But Watson cautioned that Paxlovid is not for everyone. It doesn't mix well with some drugs.

Health Canada has published a lengthy list of medications that could interact with Paxlovid.

"We have to do some research to make sure there's no interactions, that their body function is OK — their liver and kidneys," Watson said.

"So, if it's a difficult case then we will probably refer them to a doctor. But if it's OK and we think it's OK — it's a very good option. It's a very efficient process."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


John Paul Tasker

Senior writer

J.P. Tasker is a journalist in CBC's parliamentary bureau who reports for digital, radio and television. He is also a regular panellist on CBC News Network's Power & Politics. He covers the Conservative Party, Canada-U.S. relations, Crown-Indigenous affairs, climate change, health policy and the Senate. You can send story ideas and tips to J.P. at john.tasker@cbc.ca.

 
 

606 Comments
 


scott barclay 
Like lyme disease, Doctors refused to recognize it or treat it, because the Govt. didn't want them to. They had to follow the Govt. protocol or lose their licence.
Then finally the Govt. accepted it existed and now you can get treatment right away. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to scott barclay 
True 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
I took up my concerns about lyme disease in New Brunswick in 2006 with the Moncton lawyer who was the Minister of Health at the time He answered me in writing with a "WITHOUT PREJUDICE" subject line while playing dumb at the same time 

 
Randal Walker 
Reply to scott barclay 
Read the article....Only in Alberta
 
 
scott barclay
Reply to Randal Walker 
Provincial Govts. have 'strict protocols' for treatment of any illness. 
The Doctors MUST follow them or face consequences. 
 
 
Randal Walker 
Reply to scott barclay 
Can you read?? Anyone in Ontario can get it 


Annie Moffatt 
Reply toRandal Walker 
I'm not sure but it seems like Mr. Barclay has a real bone to pick with the medical profession and thus puts forth conspiracies. I am not engaging with that anymore.  
 
scott barclay
Reply toRandal Walker
Can you read each PROVINCIALGOVT. has its own protocols. 
Do you know what protocol means? 
 
 
scott barclay 
Reply to Annie Moffatt 
Its not a conspiracy, its an effect of having health-care managed by a Province. Verses in the US, Doctors are in private practice and have more latitude to try treatments they believe should work, without being penalized.  
 
 
scott barclay
Reply toRandal Walker
*Provincial Govts. 
 
 
Randal Walker 
Content Deactivated
Reply to scott barclay   


scott barclay
Reply toRandal Walker
I never said it was a political decision - its just the policy protocol of Alberta. btw: if you don't give a f... then stop wasting computer space 
 
 
Stephen Olan 
Reply to Annie Moffatt  
Take a first aid course. Then you might understand reality.  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to scott barclay 
Methinks everything is political and its always about the money N'esy Pas? 
 
 
 >>>>>
>>>>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>>>> From: "Murray, Charles (Ombud)"<Charles.Murray@gnb.ca>
>>>>> Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2019 18:16:15 +0000
>>>>> Subject: You wished to speak with me
>>>>> To: "motomaniac333@gmail.com"<motomaniac333@gmail.com>
>>>>>
>>>>> I have the advantage, sir, of having read many of your emails over the
>>>>> years.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As such, I do not think a phone conversation between us, and
>>>>> specifically one which you might mistakenly assume was in response to
>>>>> your threat of legal action against me, is likely to prove a
>>>>> productive use of either of our time.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> If there is some specific matter about which you wish to communicate
>>>>> with me, feel free to email me with the full details and it will be
>>>>> given due consideration.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Charles Murray
>>>>>
>>>>> Ombud NB
>>>>>
>>>>> Acting Integrity Commissioner
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> From: Justice Website <JUSTWEB@novascotia.ca>
>>>>>> Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:21:11 +0000
>>>>>> Subject: Emails to Department of Justice and Province of Nova Scotia
>>>>>> To: "motomaniac333@gmail.com"<motomaniac333@gmail.com>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Mr. Amos,
>>>>>> We acknowledge receipt of your recent emails to the Deputy Minister
>>>>>> of
>>>>>> Justice and lawyers within the Legal Services Division of the
>>>>>> Department of Justice respecting a possible claim against the
>>>>>> Province
>>>>>> of Nova Scotia.  Service of any documents respecting a legal claim
>>>>>> against the Province of Nova Scotia may be served on the Attorney
>>>>>> General at 1690 Hollis Street, Halifax, NS.  Please note that we will
>>>>>> not be responding to further emails on this matter.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Department of Justice
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 8/3/17, David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If want something very serious to download and laugh at as well
>>>>>>> Please
>>>>>>> Enjoy and share real wiretap tapes of the mob
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://thedavidamosrant.blogspot.ca/2013/10/re-glen-greenwald-and-braz
>>>>>>> ilian.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/06/09/nsa-leak-guardian.html
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> As the CBC etc yap about Yankee wiretaps and whistleblowers I must
>>>>>>>> ask them the obvious question AIN'T THEY FORGETTING SOMETHING????
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vugUalUO8YY
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> What the hell does the media think my Yankee lawyer served upon the
>>>>>>>> USDOJ right after I ran for and seat in the 39th Parliament
>>>>>>>> baseball
>>>>>>>> cards?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://archive.org/details/ITriedToExplainItToAllMaritimersInEarly200
>>>>>>>> 6
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://davidamos.blogspot.ca/2006/05/wiretap-tapes-impeach-bush.html
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://www.archive.org/details/PoliceSurveilanceWiretapTape139
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> http://archive.org/details/Part1WiretapTape143
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> FEDERAL EXPRES February 7, 2006
>>>>>>>> Senator Arlen Specter
>>>>>>>> United States Senate
>>>>>>>> Committee on the Judiciary
>>>>>>>> 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building
>>>>>>>> Washington, DC 20510
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Dear Mr. Specter:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have been asked to forward the enclosed tapes to you from a man
>>>>>>>> named, David Amos, a Canadian citizen, in connection with the
>>>>>>>> matters
>>>>>>>> raised in the attached letter.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Mr. Amos has represented to me that these are illegal FBI wire tap
>>>>>>>> tapes.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I believe Mr. Amos has been in contact with you about this
>>>>>>>> previously.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Very truly yours,
>>>>>>>> Barry A. Bachrach
>>>>>>>> Direct telephone: (508) 926-3403
>>>>>>>> Direct facsimile: (508) 929-3003
>>>>>>>> Email: bbachrach@bowditch.com
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>>>>>> From: David Amos motomaniac333@gmail.com
>>>>>>> Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2017 09:32:09 -0400
>>>>>>> Subject: Attn Integrity Commissioner Alexandre Deschênes, Q.C.,
>>>>>>> To: coi@gnb.ca
>>>>>>> Cc: david.raymond.amos@gmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Good Day Sir
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> After I heard you speak on CBC I called your office again and
>>>>>>> managed
>>>>>>> to speak to one of your staff for the first time
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Please find attached the documents I promised to send to the lady
>>>>>>> who
>>>>>>> answered the phone this morning. Please notice that not after the
>>>>>>> Sgt
>>>>>>> at Arms took the documents destined to your office his pal Tanker
>>>>>>> Malley barred me in writing with an "English" only document.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> These are the hearings and the dockets in Federal Court that I
>>>>>>> suggested that you study closely.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is the docket in Federal Court
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://cas-cdc-www02.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_RE_info_e.php?court_no=T-1557-15&select_court=T
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> These are digital recordings of  the last three hearings
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Dec 14th https://archive.org/details/BahHumbug
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> January 11th, 2016 https://archive.org/details/Jan11th2015
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> April 3rd, 2017
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> https://archive.org/details/April32017JusticeLeblancHearing
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This is the docket in the Federal Court of Appeal
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://cas-cdc-www02.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_RE_info_e.php?court_no=A-48-16&select_court=All
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The only hearing thus far
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> May 24th, 2017
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> https://archive.org/details/May24thHoedown
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This Judge understnds the meaning of the word Integrity
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Date: 20151223
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Docket: T-1557-15
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Fredericton, New Brunswick, December 23, 2015
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> PRESENT:        The Honourable Mr. Justice Bell
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> BETWEEN:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> DAVID RAYMOND AMOS
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Plaintiff
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Defendant
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ORDER
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> (Delivered orally from the Bench in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on
>>>>>>> December 14, 2015)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The Plaintiff seeks an appeal de novo, by way of motion pursuant to
>>>>>>> the Federal Courts Rules (SOR/98-106), from an Order made on
>>>>>>> November
>>>>>>> 12, 2015, in which Prothonotary Morneau struck the Statement of
>>>>>>> Claim
>>>>>>> in its entirety.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> At the outset of the hearing, the Plaintiff brought to my attention
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> letter dated September 10, 2004, which he sent to me, in my then
>>>>>>> capacity as Past President of the New Brunswick Branch of the
>>>>>>> Canadian
>>>>>>> Bar Association, and the then President of the Branch, Kathleen
>>>>>>> Quigg,
>>>>>>> (now a Justice of the New Brunswick Court of Appeal).  In that
>>>>>>> letter
>>>>>>> he stated:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As for your past President, Mr. Bell, may I suggest that you check
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> work of Frank McKenna before I sue your entire law firm including
>>>>>>> you.
>>>>>>> You are your brother’s keeper.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Frank McKenna is the former Premier of New Brunswick and a former
>>>>>>> colleague of mine at the law firm of McInnes Cooper. In addition to
>>>>>>> expressing an intention to sue me, the Plaintiff refers to a number
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> people in his Motion Record who he appears to contend may be
>>>>>>> witnesses
>>>>>>> or potential parties to be added. Those individuals who are known to
>>>>>>> me personally, include, but are not limited to the former Prime
>>>>>>> Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper; former
>>>>>>> Attorney General of Canada and now a Justice of the Manitoba Court
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> Queen’s Bench, Vic Toews; former member of Parliament Rob Moore;
>>>>>>> former Director of Policing Services, the late Grant Garneau; former
>>>>>>> Chief of the Fredericton Police Force, Barry McKnight; former Staff
>>>>>>> Sergeant Danny Copp; my former colleagues on the New Brunswick Court
>>>>>>> of Appeal, Justices Bradley V. Green and Kathleen Quigg, and,
>>>>>>> retired
>>>>>>> Assistant Commissioner Wayne Lang of the Royal Canadian Mounted
>>>>>>> Police.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> In the circumstances, given the threat in 2004 to sue me in my
>>>>>>> personal capacity and my past and present relationship with many
>>>>>>> potential witnesses and/or potential parties to the litigation, I am
>>>>>>> of the view there would be a reasonable apprehension of bias should
>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>> hear this motion. See Justice de Grandpré’s dissenting judgment in
>>>>>>> Committee for Justice and Liberty et al v National Energy Board et
>>>>>>> al,
>>>>>>> [1978] 1 SCR 369 at p 394 for the applicable test regarding
>>>>>>> allegations of bias. In the circumstances, although neither party
>>>>>>> has
>>>>>>> requested I recuse myself, I consider it appropriate that I do so.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> AS A RESULT OF MY RECUSAL, THIS COURT ORDERS that the Administrator
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> the Court schedule another date for the hearing of the motion.
>>>>>>> There
>>>>>>> is no order as to costs.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> “B. Richard Bell”
>>>>>>> Judge
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Below after the CBC article about your concerns (I made one comment
>>>>>>> already) you will find the text of just two of many emails I had
>>>>>>> sent
>>>>>>> to your office over the years since I first visited it in 2006.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>  I noticed that on July 30, 2009, he was appointed to the  the Court
>>>>>>> Martial Appeal Court of Canada  Perhaps you should scroll to the
>>>>>>> bottom of this email ASAP and read the entire Paragraph 83  of my
>>>>>>> lawsuit now before the Federal Court of Canada?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "FYI This is the text of the lawsuit that should interest Trudeau
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> most
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ---------- Original message ----------
>>>>>>> From: justin.trudeau.a1@parl.gc.ca
>>>>>>> Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2015 at 8:18 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Réponse automatique : RE My complaint against the CROWN in
>>>>>>> Federal Court Attn David Hansen and Peter MacKay If you planning to
>>>>>>> submit a motion for a publication ban on my complaint trust that you
>>>>>>> dudes are way past too late
>>>>>>> To: david.raymond.amos@gmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Veuillez noter que j'ai changé de courriel. Vous pouvez me rejoindre
>>>>>>> à
>>>>>>> lalanthier@hotmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Pour rejoindre le bureau de M. Trudeau veuillez envoyer un courriel
>>>>>>> à
>>>>>>> tommy.desfosses@parl.gc.ca
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Please note that I changed email address, you can reach me at
>>>>>>> lalanthier@hotmail.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> To reach the office of Mr. Trudeau please send an email to
>>>>>>> tommy.desfosses@parl.gc.ca
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank you,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Merci ,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.ca/2015/09/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 83.  The Plaintiff states that now that Canada is involved in more
>>>>>>> war
>>>>>>> in Iraq again it did not serve Canadian interests and reputation to
>>>>>>> allow Barry Winters to publish the following words three times over
>>>>>>> five years after he began his bragging:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> January 13, 2015
>>>>>>> This Is Just AS Relevant Now As When I wrote It During The Debate
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> December 8, 2014
>>>>>>> Why Canada Stood Tall!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Friday, October 3, 2014
>>>>>>> Little David Amos’ “True History Of War” Canadian Airstrikes And
>>>>>>> Stupid Justin Trudeau
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Canada’s and Canadians free ride is over. Canada can no longer hide
>>>>>>> behind Amerka’s and NATO’s skirts.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> When I was still in Canadian Forces then Prime Minister Jean
>>>>>>> Chretien
>>>>>>> actually committed the Canadian Army to deploy in the second
>>>>>>> campaign
>>>>>>> in Iraq, the Coalition of the Willing. This was against or contrary
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> the wisdom or advice of those of us Canadian officers that were
>>>>>>> involved in the initial planning phases of that operation. There
>>>>>>> were
>>>>>>> significant concern in our planning cell, and NDHQ about of the
>>>>>>> dearth
>>>>>>> of concern for operational guidance, direction, and forces for
>>>>>>> operations after the initial occupation of Iraq. At the “last
>>>>>>> minute”
>>>>>>> Prime Minister Chretien and the Liberal government changed its mind.
>>>>>>> The Canadian government told our amerkan cousins that we would not
>>>>>>> deploy combat troops for the Iraq campaign, but would deploy a
>>>>>>> Canadian Battle Group to Afghanistan, enabling our amerkan cousins
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> redeploy troops from there to Iraq. The PMO’s thinking that it was
>>>>>>> less costly to deploy Canadian Forces to Afghanistan than Iraq. But
>>>>>>> alas no one seems to remind the Liberals of Prime Minister
>>>>>>> Chretien’s
>>>>>>> then grossly incorrect assumption. Notwithstanding Jean Chretien’s
>>>>>>> incompetence and stupidity, the Canadian Army was heroic,
>>>>>>> professional, punched well above it’s weight, and the PPCLI Battle
>>>>>>> Group, is credited with “saving Afghanistan” during the Panjway
>>>>>>> campaign of 2006.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What Justin Trudeau and the Liberals don’t tell you now, is that
>>>>>>> then
>>>>>>> Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien committed, and deployed the
>>>>>>> Canadian army to Canada’s longest “war” without the advice, consent,
>>>>>>> support, or vote of the Canadian Parliament.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What David Amos and the rest of the ignorant, uneducated, and
>>>>>>> babbling
>>>>>>> chattering classes are too addled to understand is the deployment of
>>>>>>> less than 75 special operations troops, and what is known by
>>>>>>> planners
>>>>>>> as a “six pac cell” of fighter aircraft is NOT the same as a
>>>>>>> deployment of a Battle Group, nor a “war” make.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The Canadian Government or The Crown unlike our amerkan cousins have
>>>>>>> the “constitutional authority” to commit the Canadian nation to war.
>>>>>>> That has been recently clearly articulated to the Canadian public by
>>>>>>> constitutional scholar Phillippe Legasse. What Parliament can do is
>>>>>>> remove “confidence” in The Crown’s Government in a “vote of
>>>>>>> non-confidence.” That could not happen to the Chretien Government
>>>>>>> regarding deployment to Afghanistan, and it won’t happen in this
>>>>>>> instance with the conservative majority in The Commons regarding a
>>>>>>> limited Canadian deployment to the Middle East.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> President George Bush was quite correct after 911 and the terror
>>>>>>> attacks in New York; that the Taliban “occupied” and “failed state”
>>>>>>> Afghanistan was the source of logistical support, command and
>>>>>>> control,
>>>>>>> and training for the Al Quaeda war of terror against the world. The
>>>>>>> initial defeat, and removal from control of Afghanistan was vital
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> P.S. Whereas this CBC article is about your opinion of the actions
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> the latest Minister Of Health trust that Mr Boudreau and the CBC
>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>> had my files for many years and the last thing they are is ethical.
>>>>>>> Ask his friends Mr Murphy and the RCMP if you don't believe me.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Subject:
>>>>>>> Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:02:35 -0400
>>>>>>> From: "Murphy, Michael B. \(DH/MS\)"MichaelB.Murphy@gnb.ca
>>>>>>> To: motomaniac_02186@yahoo.com
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> January 30, 2007
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> WITHOUT PREJUDICE
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Mr. David Amos
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Dear Mr. Amos:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This will acknowledge receipt of a copy of your e-mail of December
>>>>>>> 29,
>>>>>>> 2006 to Corporal Warren McBeath of the RCMP.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Because of the nature of the allegations made in your message, I
>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>> taken the measure of forwarding a copy to Assistant Commissioner
>>>>>>> Steve
>>>>>>> Graham of the RCMP “J” Division in Fredericton.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Honourable Michael B. Murphy
>>>>>>> Minister of Health
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> CM/cb
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Warren McBeath warren.mcbeath@rcmp-grc.gc.ca wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:34:53 -0500
>>>>>>> From: "Warren McBeath"warren.mcbeath@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
>>>>>>> To: kilgoursite@ca.inter.net, MichaelB.Murphy@gnb.ca,
>>>>>>> nada.sarkis@gnb.ca, wally.stiles@gnb.ca, dwatch@web.net,
>>>>>>> motomaniac_02186@yahoo.com
>>>>>>> CC: ottawa@chuckstrahl.com,
>>>>>>> riding@chuckstrahl.com,John.Foran@gnb.ca,
>>>>>>> Oda.B@parl.gc.ca,"Bev BUSSON"bev.busson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca,
>>>>>>> "Paul Dube"PAUL.DUBE@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Remember me Kilgour? Landslide Annie McLellan has
>>>>>>> forgotten me but the crooks within the RCMP have not
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Dear Mr. Amos,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Thank you for your follow up e-mail to me today. I was on days off
>>>>>>> over the holidays and returned to work this evening. Rest assured I
>>>>>>> was not ignoring or procrastinating to respond to your concerns.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As your attachment sent today refers from Premier Graham, our
>>>>>>> position
>>>>>>> is clear on your dead calf issue: Our forensic labs do not process
>>>>>>> testing on animals in cases such as yours, they are referred to the
>>>>>>> Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown who can provide these
>>>>>>> services. If you do not choose to utilize their expertise in this
>>>>>>> instance, then that is your decision and nothing more can be done.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> As for your other concerns regarding the US Government, false
>>>>>>> imprisonment and Federal Court Dates in the US, etc... it is clear
>>>>>>> that Federal authorities are aware of your concerns both in Canada
>>>>>>> the US. These issues do not fall into the purvue of Detachment
>>>>>>> and policing in Petitcodiac, NB.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> It was indeed an interesting and informative conversation we had on
>>>>>>> December 23rd, and I wish you well in all of your future endeavors.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>  Sincerely,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Warren McBeath, Cpl.
>>>>>>> GRC Caledonia RCMP
>>>>>>> Traffic Services NCO
>>>>>>> Ph: (506) 387-2222
>>>>>>> Fax: (506) 387-4622
>>>>>>> E-mail warren.mcbeath@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Alexandre Deschênes, Q.C.,
>>>>>>> Office of the Integrity Commissioner
>>>>>>> Edgecombe House, 736 King Street
>>>>>>> Fredericton, N.B. CANADA E3B 5H1
>>>>>>> tel.: 506-457-7890
>>>>>>> fax: 506-444-5224
>>>>>>> e-mail:coi@gnb.ca
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
 

RE CLOSURE TO VISITS AND DSP Hey Liz Perhaps my sister Nancy Chedore may answer your questions Trust that Higgy et al know our Mother is locked down in Shannex too

 

David Amos

<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thu, Dec 15, 2022 at 11:57 AM
To: CDonovan@shannex.com, lizkramer@hotmail.com, bdraper@shannex.com, info@shannex.com, Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca, jean-claude.d'amours@gnb.ca, alexandre.silberman@cbc.ca, gdrapeau@shannex.com, "Dorothy.Shephard"<Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, laura.lyall@bellmedia.ca, "robert.gauvin"<robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, coalitionnb@gmail.com, "Wayne.Long"<Wayne.Long@parl.gc.ca>, "rob.moore"<rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, "John.Williamson"<John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>, "Dominic.Cardy"<Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)"<megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, info@nbanh.com
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "Hamish.Wright"<Hamish.Wright@gnb.ca>, "john.green"<john.green@gnb.ca>, "hugh.flemming"<hugh.flemming@gnb.ca>, "blaine.higgs"<blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>


 

COVID-19 outbreaks stretch resources at nursing homes

Social development critic and seniors advocate seek return of masking, other measures as holidays near

At Loch Lomond Villa's Village home in Saint John, 15 residents are in isolation, said CEO Cindy Donovan.

The 100-bed home also had a critical staff shortage due to COVID and other illnesses about two weeks ago, for a 10-day period

"It really did put a strain on us," she said, adding that some staff worked overtime and pulled double shifts.

Donovan believes the outbreak is under control. The infected residents, who suffered fevers, congestion and poor appetites, are doing well, she said. She expected the isolation period for many of them to end by late Wednesday or Thursday.

But with holiday visiting quickly approaching, Donovan urges people to get vaccinated and to stay away from long-term care homes if they have any COVID symptoms or feel unwell.

"There's COVID outbreaks in many of the homes right now across the province so please don't come in and visit," she said. "We don't want any other residents to be ill, we don't want family to take it home to their own families."

CBC asked the Department of Health for an update Wednesday on COVID and flu outbreaks at long-term care homes but has not received a response.

Call for measures to keep seniors safe

Liberal social development critic Robert Gauvin raised the Village COVID outbreak and other nursing home outbreaks in the legislature Wednesday, questioning what Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard is going to do to keep residents and staff safe.

"The families of residents are asking the government to put in place health protocols for people entering or visiting these facilities, such as masking, screening and better communication about outbreaks," he said in French.

A man standing and speaking in the New Brunswick Legislature, while holding papers.                                            Liberal social development critic Robert Gauvin expressed concerns about the 'serious health threat' the COVID-19 outbreak at the Village poses. (Government of New Brunswick)

"They're also asking the government to restore funding [ended in June] that would cover the additional cost associated with cleaning, sanitization and other prevention measures."

Shephard said her department has been "closely monitoring any and all outbreaks" in all long-term care facilities, particularly nursing homes.

"We feel that they have the expertise and staff and supports that they need in order to manage the situation."

Advocate seeks mask mandate, fears lockdowns

New Brunswick nursing homes have loosened COVID-19 restrictions as they've transitioned to the "new normal" of living with the virus, but some measures, such as employee masking, remain in place, Julie Weir, CEO of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, has said.

Earlier this week, Dr. Yves Léger, the acting chief medical officer of health, told CBC he's not ready to recommend the government impose any mandatory protective measures in advance of the holidays. But it's something Public Health continues to "discuss and review," he said.

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights, would like to see a return to mandatory masking to protect vulnerable seniors and prevent more outbreaks.

                                             Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights, contends the government should be more transparent about COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and other long-term care settings. (Submitted by Cecile Cassista)

"I wish they'd bring back the mask. I really do because I see that the path forward if we don't … start wearing our masks. We're going to be [in] lockdown" again, she said.

And nursing home residents will "die of loneliness."

"So I think we need to take the proactive step now, and it should be uniform, across the board," said Cassista.

"We're not out of the storm yet."

Shannex asks people to be 'extremely vigilant'

Shannex has a small number of COVID-19 cases in some of its homes across the province, including two cases at Pavillon Richard in Moncton, according to spokesperson Isabelle Landry. She did not provide any other details.

"Our team is well-prepared to manage all types of outbreaks," Landry said in an emailed statement. "Together, they work hard to control the spread of any virus with support from our organizational infection prevention and control specialist and by following Public Health guidelines." 

Asked about protective measures, Landry said Shannex families are aware of the precautions in place, but did encourage people to be "extremely vigilant," given the respiratory viruses circulating.

"We would like to emphasize the importance of refraining from visiting our homes if someone is experiencing any sign of feeling unwell, however slight, or if they feel that they may have been exposed to anyone else who is experiencing symptoms of illness," she said.

"Wear your mask properly, maintain physical distancing at all times, perform proper hand hygiene and monitor yourself for symptoms. We are serving a vulnerable population, and everyone has a role to play in keeping others safe and well."

Village closed to public, Christmas plans in flux

Given the outbreak at the Village less than two weeks before Christmas, the Villa has unfortunately had to adjust its planned festivities for the third straight year, said Donovan.

Very few events have been cancelled so far, but staff meet daily to discuss the schedule. "We are working very hard to ensure our residents get to experience the holiday season the best that we can," reads a notice to families.

The Villa still has many protective measures in place, including extra cleaning throughout the homes and rapid tests available to residents, staff and visitors, said Donovan.

                                              Cindy Donovan, CEO of Loch Lomond Villa, said as soon as a resident exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, they're tested and isolated, and staff caring for them must wear full personal protective equipment. (Submitted by Cindy Donovan )

At the Village, visiting is restricted to two "essential care partners" per resident. An essential care partner is deemed essential to maintaining a resident's mental and physical health, while retaining necessary safety precautions during a pandemic/outbreak response.

These essential care partners are trained in mitigating measures, such as proper hand hygiene and how to wear their masks properly, said Donovan, and visits must take place in the resident's room.

For those visiting a loved one who is COVID-positive, they must wear a mask, gown, and goggles at all times during the visit. The Villa provides personal protective equipment to its visitors, as well as staff.

Staff encouraged to mask while off-duty

In addition, although masking is not mandatory in indoor public places in New Brunswick, staff are encouraged to wear masks, said Donovan. "We do emphasize with the staff that, 'You still have to come back in and care for our residents.' So we're asking them to always be safe."

Staff have been testing positive since the summer, when activities in the the province, such as concerts and hockey games, really started to open up again, she said.

This has made staffing a challenge at times, particularly since temporary relief from Public Health's provincial rapid outbreak management teams, or PROMT, is no longer available, Donovan said.

The Villa's infection control nurse does receive daily guidance from the regional Public Health office.

Earlier in the pandemic, however, PROMT teams, which could include staff from Extra-Mural-Ambulance New Brunswick, government departments, regional health authorities and volunteers from regulated health professions, would visit homes during outbreaks to provide assessment and operational assistance and support, such as COVID-19 testing.

Staff are tired, she said, noting a number of nurses and licensed practical nurses have left the profession over the past couple of years.

"It's not a good state of affairs," Donovan said. "And I'm not sure when the end is going to happen."

With files from Information Morning Saint John

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
https://www.nbanh.com/staff

1133 Regent Street, suite 206

Fredericton, NB, E3B 3Z2

(506) 460-6262

Meet the staff at NBANH

Julie Weir, Chief Executive Officer

Andrew McGuire, Legal Counsel

Navy Vezina, Legal Counsel

Samantha Hachey, Director of Membership Services

Emma Bradford, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator

Mélanie Eva, Administrative Coordinator

Nicole Delamere, Executive Assistant

Whitney Bennett, Receptionist


Justin M. Wies
Called to the bar: 2011 (NB)
New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes Inc.
Assistant Director of Labour Relations
206-1133 Regent St.
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 3Z2
Phone: 506-460-6262

On 12/13/20, David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> wrote:
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Fishman Kramer <lizkramer@hotmail.com>
> Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2020 22:19:32 +0000
> Subject: Fwd: CLOSURE TO VISITS AND DSP
> To: David Raymond <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
>
>
>
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> From: lizkramer@hotmail.com
> Date: December 11, 2020 at 3:49:27 PM AST
> To: Betty Draper <bdraper@shannex.com>, info@shannex.com
> Cc: Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca, jean-claude.d'amours@gnb.ca,
> alexandre.silberman@cbc.ca, Greta Drapeau <gdrapeau@shannex.com>,
> Dorothy Shephard <Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, laura.lyall@bellmedia.ca
> Subject: Re:    CLOSURE TO VISITS AND DSP
> 
> Dear Betty,
>
> I’m just now sitting here thinking about the current situation, and I
> have to tell you, I’m confused. I’m going to explain why.
>
> Firstly, as a preventative Measure, you closed visits even to the DSP’s
> whom
> Had to sign to all sorts of details and ways to conduct Ourselves to
> keep our own mothers and fathers safe.
>
> As you can see by your email below, you closed to visitors on November
> 20th, but it was actually a staff member who made the mistake!
>
> Is she guilty?  She can’t help it right but she is supposed to be Uber
> concerned for
> The welfare of all of those aged people in her care, she should be
> well aware of her responsibilities, shouldn’t she?
>
> It’s bad enough that it had to happen let alone the families being
> punished as a result??
>
> I’m sure you don’t see it that way. It came
> Fresh into my mind as I reread your email below.
>
> Did your employees have any restrictions put on them?  Were they to
> refrain from going places Or Visiting people?  Maybe you think my
> question is silly. Maybe it is, but the fact remains that WE families
> are the ones taking the impact of your employees actions and it is
> simply unjust.
>
> EVERYONE is constantly reminding us that it is our social
> responsibility to do this and do that, but where is the line drawn?
> Who gets to decide?  Do we even care what’s fair or are we merely
> following Orders?
> What exactly is going on here?
>
> Now today, there has been no contact at all. No call multiplier mass
> phone call from Shannex, no update from you, it’s total radio silence.
>
> I’m assuming your Not Going to let us
> Back to pre orange phase behaviour and thus the delay in communication.
>
> It will probably take some thought and some really Great writing to
> get that point across, as we are all waiting with baited breaTh to
> know Whether we will be able to see our loved Ones any time soon.
>
>
> I have one other unrelated matter to discuss with you.
>
> Two Sunday’s ago On November 29th my Mom Called to inform me that she was
> told
> She was covid positive on the previous day almost directly after supper.
>
> She said someone told Her that her family had been contacted. She was taken
> To the covid “staging area” and put in a room with a known covid
> Positive patient. She was transported from her room to
> This area without a mask.
>
> After a few minutes passed and a bit of
> Small talk between these two ‘patients’, some staff came back to
> advise my Mom that a mistake had been made and that she was not
> Positive for covid. She was taken back to her room.
>
> She explained to me that she did ask
> About being exposed to the known
> Positive patient, and the employee advised “as Long as you weren’t in
> there For more than 15 minutes everything will be fine.”
>
> Since then an ambulance attendant who was taking my Mom To dialysis
> one day this week had told Her that she is covid positive as well.  As
> a matter of fact it’s possible that this ambulance attendant still
> Thinks my Mother is positive.
>
> So I have a couple of perhaps obvious questions.
>
> Who shared this false information with the ambulance Attendant?
>
> Is there any level Of confidentiality for these patients or does it
> only apply to family
> Members as we seem to be the only ones who were not informed of this
> ‘mistake’.
>
> At what level Did this ‘mistake’ occur?
>
> At what point does an administrator think It
> Prudent to call the family and let them
> Know what’s going on?
>
> Who thinks it’s reasonable to put a female senior in a room with a male
> senior?
>
>  Are the sanitary rules only Followed if a person is NOT positive? The
> mask Wearing and isolation does not apply to ‘sick’ patients?
>
> Who decided that 15 minutes was the threshold of non transmission?  How
> Come no one appeared Concerned that my mother had been potentially
> exposed? No further than normal isolation was Carried out To my
> knowledge.
>
> Do you Ever feel like you are in the twilight
> Zone?  I do, because there is simply no logic
> Or reasoning or Consistency to ANY of these policies.
>
> We are expected to obey whatever illogical practices you and the
> public health authority and the COVID team decide they want to
> implement at the time.
>
> What gives here?
>
> Now I would like to recognize all of your hard work during this
> stressful time THANK YOU, but you really got to Put yourself in the
> shoes Of a logical thinking Outsider for a moment and realize Just How
> Messed Up this whole REACTION or perhaps in some Cases, lack or
> reaction appears.
>
> I’m searching For answers.  Can I please get Some?
>
> I do apologize that my tolerance of this nonsense has brought Me Again
> to A Point of frustration which I can No longer Contain.
>
> Respectfully, Liz Kramer
>
>
> On Nov 20, 2020, at 8:58 AM, Betty Draper <bdraper@shannex.com> wrote:
>
>
> Betty Draper
> Business Manager
>
> Parkland Saint John
> 40 Vitality Drive, Saint John, NB E2K 0J5
> Main Line: 506-649-4711      Cell: 506-349-7695
>
> experienceparkland.com<https://www.experienceparkland.com/>
> Follow us on Facebook!<https://www.facebook.com/experienceparkland>

>

 
 

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 3475

Trending Articles