Seniors pack forum to hear Ombudsperson speak on Seniors' Care in BC
VANCOUVER, May 15 /CNW/ - Seniors and allies filled the BC Health Coalition's Seniors' Forum on Friday to hear the Provincial Ombudsperson, Kim Carter, speak about seniors' care in British Columbia.
The BC Health Coalition is calling on the BC government to implement each of the ten recommendations outlined in the provincial Ombudsperson's report on seniors' care in residential care facilities in BC.
"The public response to the Ombudsperson's investigation into seniors' care in BC has been unparalleled in the history of that office," says Rachel Tutte, Co-Chair of the BC Health Coalition. "It's no surprise that they packed the forum to hear Ms. Carter speak on this issue; seniors' care has reached a crisis level in this province and people want action now."
Tutte notes that this report is the first part of the Ombudsperson's ongoing investigation in response to a growing number of complaints and increasing public concern about seniors' care in the province's residential care facilities. "That is why it is so important that our government respect the legitimacy and integrity of these recommendations by moving immediately to implement each of them," she says.
Seniors' health care will continue to be one of the BC Health Coalition's two major campaigns over the next year. "We welcome and encourage collaborations with other groups in the province that are working for improvements to seniors' care," says Tutte.
The Ombudsperson's report makes specific policy recommendations to improve the quality of life for residents in care facilities including setting out a clear commitment to care and residents' rights and providing support for family councils.
For further information: Adam Lynes-Ford, Medicare Campaigner, BC Health Coalition: (604) 787-6560 (cell); phone: (604) 681-7945, fax: (604) 681-7947, email: [email protected], www.bchealthcoalition.ca
Share this article