AHS investigation reveals serious long-term care problems at Lacombe Hospital and Health Centre

Three staff members have been placed on leave following an Alberta Health Services internal investigation into the quality of long-term care provided at the Lacombe Hospital and Health Centre.

In a statement released late Tuesday, AHS confirmed the investigation was launched after concerns were raised in March by RDC nursing students completing their practicum at the facility.

A release from the Wildrose party earlier in the day said those concerns included expired catheters, soiled sheets and overflowing garbage, improper sharing of medication, lack of proper medication training and management, lack of dementia care training, and a lack of proper training for risk management.

Brenda Huband, Vice-President and Chief Health Operations Officer for AHS Central and Southern Alberta says actions have been taken to address the concerns.

“We take these concerns very seriously and we responded quickly with our investigation and audits with support from Alberta Health,” she said.

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According to AHS, the list of actions being taken at the facility includes:

– Thorough health assessments of all 75 residents in long-term care;

– Physiotherapy and falls risk assessments on all residents;

– A thorough cleaning of the site, with support and guidance from Infection Prevention and Control professionals, of all resident care areas, including medication rooms, medication carts, and tub rooms;

– Improved communication between caregivers and residents/families, and between caregivers;

– The introduction of education sessions for all staff to ensure they understand health service and accommodation standards for continuing care;

– Working with stakeholders to introduce a resident and family council that can meet regularly to ensure high quality care is maintained;

– Three staff have been placed on leave.

AHS says its review, which concluded last week, highlights the need to shift to a more resident and family-focused care model.

“It is best practice in continuing care to develop care plans with input from residents, their families if they choose, and a multi-disciplinary care team,” says Huband. “Our care planning process should respect that this is their home and should take into account their desires about the care they want and need.”