WATCH: The New Brunswick Government is moving ahead and releasing inspection reports for nursing homes and long-term care facilities online. Global’s Laura Brown reports.
FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick government has begun posting inspection reports for nursing homes and special care homes online.
Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers says having the detailed inspection reports available online helps the public make an informed decision when choosing a long-term care facility for a family member.
“I think it helps hold high quality care standards for everyone, and it’s good for people looking for long-term care placements for their families to know what the choices are and what the inspection reports are,” she said.
She says the initiative will encourage compliance with the government’s health and safety regulations and standards.
Both the Nursing Home Association and Special Care Home Association agree with the move.
“You know, we often hear in the media, people make complaints and there’s rumours and innuendo that float by so for the first time we’re going to have actual data,” said Michael Keating, Executive Director of the Nursing Home Association.
“In fact, it’s going to be online and satisfy the public’s interests into whether or not the places that are housing their loved ones are up to standard.”
Nursing homes and special care homes are inspected annually by the government, public health officials and the fire marshal’s office.
The reports will be available for all licensed facilities dating back to January 2014.
With files from Global’s Laura Brown
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