FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Patient Ombudsman launches systemic investigation into the resident and caregiver experience at Ontario’s Long-term Care Homes with outbreaks of COVID-19 (Toronto, June 2nd, 2020) Patient Ombudsman began monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the experiences of patients, residents and caregivers when the pandemic was first declared. Complaints from residents, family members and whistleblowers pointed to a crisis in Ontario’s long-term care homes. On April 26th, 2020, Patient Ombudsman launched a public appeal for COVID-19 complaints in long-term care. Patient Ombudsman asked staff, family members, caregivers and residents to disclose situations where they felt the safety of residents and staff may be in significant jeopardy. Since March, Patient Ombudsman received 150 complaints about long-term care homes. That number continues to grow. “Our office would like to thank every resident, caregiver and staff person of a long-term care home for having the courage to come forward with their complaints. We are committed to resolving these complaints and amplifying the voices of residents and caregivers as we learn from their experiences. Patient Ombudsman acknowledges Ontario Ombudsman’s separate investigation of the oversight of the long-term care system by the province’s Ministry of Long-Term Care and Ministry of Health. Our investigation is specific to the resident and caregiver experience at long-term care homes with outbreaks of COVID-19. We feel that this investigation will help long-term care homes prepare for future outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.” (Craig Thompson, Executive Director, Patient Ombudsman) Investigation focus The investigation will focus on the experience of residents and caregivers in those long-term care homes that experienced an outbreak of COVID-19. Some of the issues affecting the experience of residents and caregivers include: staffing levels; visitation restrictions; infection prevention and control procedures; and communication of information. 1/2 Patient Ombudsman is a champion for fairness in healthcare. We facilitate resolutions and investigate complaints about patient care and healthcare experiences with long-term care homes, public hospitals and home and community care coordinated through Local Health Integration Networks. We take the time to listen closely to all perspectives without taking sides. Our work aims to improve the system for everyone, by shining a light on issues of concern. For media inquiries please contact: Jason Oliver, Senior Communications Specialist M: 416-523-9356 E: [email protected] 2/2 .