Second probe into Oakview care home resumes

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This article was published 13/09/2022 (833 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s Protection for Persons in Care Office will resume its inquiry into alleged elder abuse at Oakview Place Personal Care Home after the Winnipeg Police Service announced charges against two health-care aides.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon confirmed Wednesday investigators with the office, which was established to investigate reports of suspected patient or resident abuse and neglect, will probe allegations two health-care aides abused up to 15 residents at Oakview Place.

Winnipeg police said Tuesday a 49-year-old female would face three assault charges and a 36-year-old female would face faces two assault charges following their probe into abuse at the St. James nursing home.

The two were arrested by police on Monday and released on undertakings with conditions. The two are accused of using “inappropriate physical actions” on separate occasions to gain compliance of five elderly residents while performing daily care duties between August 2021 and January 2022.

Gordon said her 90-year-old mother also receives care in facilities and expressed her sadness.

“It’s shocking and when I first heard the allegations, I was so troubled by them,” Gordon said.

In June, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said a whistleblower had alerted local management with Extendicare — the facility’s operator — of the alleged abuse in February.

However, the health authority was not informed about the allegations, in contravention of Extendicare’s responsibilities, until approached directly by another whistleblower on June 10.

The WRHA said the allegations involved 15 residents of the home.

An investigation by the PPCO was paused while police carried out the criminal investigation.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the results of that and want to see the proper investigations take place and that also individuals be held responsible for what they’ve done, because it’s simply just not right,” Gordon said.

A spokesperson for the Manitoba government said the PPCO is continuing its investigation and had no additional information to share on Wednesday.

Details about the scope of the PPCO investigation and a potential timeline for completion were not provided.

As of Aug. 31, the operating licence for Oakview Place was under review by the province’s licensing and compliance branch.

During the review period, the branch will make unannounced visits and will be required to provide updates to the regarding any new allegations or complaints.

— Staff