REGINA – A care aide who works at a Saskatoon seniors home says he was suspended with pay because he spoke out about conditions of his work. Peter Bowden told reporters earlier this month that residents at Oliver Lodge were at risk of skin infections because they were left in soiled diapers and bedding for up to 10 hours.
He said at times on his night shift he alone looks after 32 residents and more staff are required to provide better care.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan said the health region has taken disciplinary action against Bowden and it’s unrelated to his public comments.
A government source says Bowden’s suspension follows several allegations from staff who submitted written complaints to management, ranging from alleged patient care concerns to harassment of other staff and residents.
The health region says it can’t release the nature of the allegations unless Bowden agrees to it.
Bowden, who has worked at three different care homes over the last 11 years, says he will speak to his union representative before he agrees to it.
He says he doesn’t know what the allegations are and hasn’t been contacted about the issue until he was told he was suspended last week.
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