2013/10/16

Update - October 15, 2013 - Minister Dorothy Shepherd, minister responsible of healthy and inclusive communities.

Ombudsman Jurisdiction

The Department of Healthy and inclusive extended an invitation to the Coalition and other stakeholders to participate and share in a dialogue on seniors initiatives being taken by government.  The session included  a presentation by the provincial Ombudsman, Charles Murray, explaining the implications of the proposed amendments to the Ombudsman Act.  

The Coalition has been advocating since 2004 for the ombudsman to have jurisdiction over seniors living in nursing care facilities. In 2004 Bernard Richard, Ombudsman at the time recommended to government that the Ombudsman have the oversight on this file.

While we are pleased to see this come to virtue we also understand that steps may have to be taken to address any short comings as we move through the process. The Ontario Residents Bill of Rights has been one that we have suggested be used for New Brunswick with some minor wording. This document is very clear and has concise language that is easy to understand. It is also the one recommended by the Ombudsman in 2004. It can be found on this link. http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/everyres
Stakeholders were also  asked for input on a proposed " Declaration for Expectations of Care" relating to long term Care services.
The session took place at the Fredericton Inn, 1315 Regent Street, Fredericton, NB

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