By Angela Hill
paNOW Staff
The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is purchasing residential carbon monoxide detectors for many of their facilities.
Recent deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning, in a care home in Humboldt, triggered a review in this region.
“We did a review and said ‘it’s not there,' so short term we’re going out and purchasing the residential-type monitors to put in key places within facilities, particularly the long-term care facilities,” said Doug Dahl, communications officer for the region.
Many of the care homes, including those in Birch Hills, Spiritwood, Canwood and Big River didn’t have any monitoring in place. But even those that did, such as Jubilee Lodge in Kinistino and Pineview Terrace Lodge in Prince Albert, are having their systems reviewed.
“The purchase of the residential units is really a short-term solution and we’re looking at what is the best way to monitor this, in order to protect our patients and residents,” Dahl said.
“We have to review all of our building systems to see what possible within the existing systems, what kind of upgrades may be required.”
This overall review could mean that in some places more than a detector is required, that complete system upgrades may be needed, he said.
The initial cost for the residential detectors is low and the health region will work with several provincial ministries when it comes time for more permanent solutions.
According to Dahl demand for the residential detectors is high right now, but keeping that in mind, he said he expects them to be in place in the next seven to 10 days.
ahill@panow.com
