REGINA – Regina police confirm they will be investigating allegations of abuse and neglect at the Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.
Official from the facility contacted police last week and turned over a video recording of an alleged incident of neglect and assault of one of its residents.
Santa Maria’s executive director John Kelly issued a statement late Friday afternoon saying he had become aware of an incident involving alleged neglect and physical assault of one of his residents.
He says video recordings and other details have been provided to the Regina Police Service for criminal investigation. Also, Santa Maria and the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region have hired an external investigator to look into the issue of resident neglect.
A media liaison for the home says this case is unrelated to any previous issues or concerns that have been reported already in the media. This incident came to the attention of Kelly in the past 24 hours.
“I am completely appalled at the serious allegation of employees assaulting a senior in their care at Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.” – Health Minister Dustin Duncan
Employees involved in the incident have been removed from the premises and suspended until further notice.
Kelly says Santa Maria has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to resident harm.
In a statement he writes, “To the resident involved, and extended family members, we are deeply troubled by this incident and sincerely apologize. Beyond addressing the immediate needs of the resident, we will hold those responsible accountable for their actions and begin working to regain your trust.”
In a statement issued late Friday afternoon, Health Minister Dustin Duncan said, “I am completely appalled at the serious allegation of employees assaulting a senior in their care at Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home. Our government has zero tolerance for abuse of seniors. If these allegations are true, any employee involved will face the most severe discipline possible and could face criminal charges, pending the outcome of the police investigation.”
“There should be clear consequences, up to and including prosecution on criminal charges.” – NDP leader Cam Broten
NDP opposition leader Cam Broten also issued a statement, which said in part, “I do not believe that physical assault of a resident by a staff person is common. When it happens, as is now alleged at Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home in Regina, there should be clear consequences, up to and including prosecution on criminal charges.”
Over three weeks ago, families and nurses started coming forward with allegations of abuse and neglect of seniors at Santa Maria.
As a result, they are also participating in a detailed, external review of operations and procedures with the Saskatchewan Ombudsman.
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