Employees not to blame at Hogarth Riverview Manor: Unifor

The union that represents about 450 full and part-time workers at Hogarth Riverview Manor says employees are not to blame for the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)ordering the facility to no longer admit new residents.

The home received a number of orders, including a temporary stop on the admission of new residents recently by the MOHLTC.

St. Joseph's Care Group, the organization that runs the home, said one of the major reasons for the temporary halt, was more staff training was required.

"What's happened in this case is that there were a number of repeat orders that hadn't moved along far enough to the inspectors satisfaction," said TraceyBuckler, the President and CEO of St. Joseph's Care Group.

The union strongly disagrees with that position.

"Even when the folks are fully staffed, there's too much work and not enough bodies to complete that with any kind of dignity toward our residents," said Keri Jefford, the President of Unifor Local 229."And, that's happening in every department right across Hogarth Riverview Manor."

Jefford said staff have been contacting her since the story aired last week, and have been telling her they are not responsible for the issues at Hogarth Riverview.

"Well, I'm still receiving phone calls and e-mails that people are feeling defeated and deflated, and felt like that they're not being supported, and that they're being blamed for things that are outside their control."

Jeffordsaid more funding and staffing is what is needed in long term care facilities, along with provincial minimum standards for care.

She said throwing more money at the issue will not solve any problem. New funding would need to have 'strings attached' to ensure it is spent in the right areas, Jefford said.