Statement by the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors on Homicide Investigation

TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The members of the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS) are shocked and saddened by the tragic news announcement today by the Ontario Provincial Police that a registered nurse is the subject of a homicide investigation involving the deaths of eight long term care home residents in Woodstock and London, Ontario.

We wish to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of James Silcox, Maurice Granat, Gladys Millard, Helen Matheson, Mary Zurawinski, Helen Young, Maureen Pickering, and Arpad Horvath.

While the homes involved are not OANHSS members, this is deeply distressing to all staff who work hard every day to provide safe and high quality care to the residents in Ontario's long term care homes.

Horrifying events of this nature must be examined carefully to inform the appropriate action necessary to guard against recurrence. OANHSS and its members are always committed to working with government and stakeholders to continuously improve resident care and safety.

While the police investigation is ongoing, OANHSS will comment no further on this matter.

OANHSS is the provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Members include not-for-profit long term care homes (municipal, charitable and non-profit nursing homes), seniors' housing, supportive housing, and community service agencies.

SOURCE Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS)

For further information: Media contact: Chris Noone, Manager, Communications and Member Services, (W) 905-851-8821 ext. 253