EDMONTON – The results of two investigations into accusations involving mice at a Lethbridge supportive living facility have been released, and found the accusations were unfounded.
Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne called for an immediate review of the accommodations and health standards at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge after allegations of mouse infestations and a claim that a mouse had bitten a resident of the facility.
Two investigations were conducted by the Ministry of Health; Accommodation Standards and Protection for Person in Care (PPC).
The review did not find any non-compliances.
However, the government said the PPC report states several findings and recommendations which must be addressed “in a timely manner.”
In a letter, Deputy Minister of Health Janet Davidson said: “While the findings show no evidence that a resident was bitten by a mouse, it is critical that you observe and immediately address all recommendations in the attached report in a timely manner, as they are essential for the health and well-being of the clients in your care.”
St. Therese Villa is a Designated Assisted Living (DAL) facility that serves over 200 residents of Southern Alberta.
Read the full report below.
Documents show that a high-risk complaint was made via email from a supervisor that claimed that a resident of St. Therese Villa was bitten on the face by a mouse on Sept. 1. An investigation was initiated at that time.
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The investigator’s report indicates there were “several reports in the media alleging that the residents at Covenant Health, St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge, Alberta, were living in a bed bug- and mouse-infested facility.”
According to the documents, the investigator arrived at the Villa unannounced, toured the facility, and interviewed several individuals, including residents and family members, facility health care aides, nurses, managers, physicians, two being medical officers of health, and Alberta Health Services RN case managers, and environmental health inspectors and managers.
The investigator also reviewed Environmental Public Health Inspection Report from Sept. 9, Environmental Public Health Inspection Report from Sept. 4, and Housing/Public Accommodation Inspection Report from Sept. 4.
The findings of the investigation were “unconfirmed/unfounded.”
The Executive Summary of the report reads: “The investigator found that the evidence did not support either the general allegations or the specific allegations that any resident suffered serious bodily or emotional harm.”
Recommendations by the investigator to Covenant Health include:
– Follow-up work already begun by Covenant Health to revise how the provider communicates with staff, residents and families when infestations occur
– The need to address gaps in the processes at St. Therese Villa
– The need for further education and training of staff at St. Therese Villa
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