More heartache is coming out of Saskatchewan long-term care homes as the number of deaths continues to rise at Extendicare Parkside in Regina due to the coronavirus.
Eleven residents have now died since an outbreak was declared there on Nov. 20.
“We have been in touch with their families to offer our heartfelt condolences. We will continue to do all we can to protect our team and our residents,” Extendicare Parkside said in a statement emailed to Global News on Wednesday.
“Our hearts are with our community and those who have lost loved ones to this virus during this immensely challenging time.”
As of Wednesday, 141 residents have been tested positive with COVID-19 — all active cases.
Scott Livingstone, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said on Wednesday that health officials have been working with the Extendicare long-term care home amid the declaration of a coronavirus outbreak.
He said it has provided support with staff on the ground to help with infection control measures, as well as providing therapists, paramedics and physicians inside the facility to care for the patients.
“We’ve been supporting on the ground with staff inside the facility for both infection control, making sure the PPE is there and being used,” Livingstone said.
“We’ve done a bunch of expanded testing inside the facility, both staff and patients.”
SHA is now taking a direct role with staff and operations after signing a 30-day agreement with Extendicare Canada on Wednesday.
“We requested additional assistance from the Saskatchewan Health Authority when it became clear that our team at Extendicare Parkside needed more help to manage the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ron Parent, Extendicare’s regional director for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“We welcome and deeply appreciate the support we are receiving from the SHA and are grateful that they have agreed to engage with our home more directly. Together we will be in a stronger position to deliver the level of care our residents need while we clear the virus from the home as quickly as possible.”
The care home recently moved 25 residents to Pioneer Village after their tests came back negative. There are also 58 active cases among staff.
“The number of employees who are COVID-positive continues to grow and fluctuate every day. A number of employees are having to self-isolate because of exposure or close contacts,” said Barbara Cape, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) president on Tuesday.
Cape said members of her union are coping with stress and anxiety as they rush to provide care during the pandemic.
“These members are freaked out. They’re upset and they are burning out.”
Luther Special Care Home in Saskatoon reported three more resident deaths due to COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the number of deaths at the care home to seven since a coronavirus outbreak was declared on Nov. 17.
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