RNAO was among a number of stakeholders invited to attend two days of roundtable sessions Jan. 23 and 24 with Justice Eileen Gillese, the commissioner appointed to oversee the Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes Public Inquiry. The inquiry was tasked with examining the events that led to the crimes of former RN Elizabeth Wettlaufer, who is now serving a life sentence for murdering eight seniors and attempting to murder six others. RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun and LTC best practice guideline  senior manager Suman Iqbal attended the meetings.

RNAO was the first to call for a public inquiry when the crimes of Wettlaufer came to light. And the association was granted status at the inquiry. In September 2018, RNAO – represented by Henein Hutchison lawyer Lauren Binhammer – presented its recommendations to Justice Gillese as part of the inquiry. Its submission noted that significant systemic issues in LTC must be addressed by the health ministry if it wants to ensure seniors who live in nursing homes are safe and secure. RNAO highlighted the urgent need to change current funding and staffing models. 

It also recommends reporting obligations and follow-up action for nurses and nursing homes be clarified on issues of resident safety. 

The inquiry’s final report is expected in late July. For more information about the inquiry, visit longtermcareinquiry.ca. RNAO’s submission can be found under the “public hearings” tab. RN