Parkside Extendicare in Regina. (Kevin Martel/980 CJME file photo)

By CJME News

SHA to take full control of Extendicare homes in Saskatchewan

Oct 14, 2021 | 1:40 PM

Just two months after temporarily taking over management of Extendicare homes in the province, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is set to take full control of the five long-term care facilities.

On Thursday, the SHA and the provincial government announced the authority would be replacing Extendicare as the operator of the homes.

There are three long-term Extendicare facilities in Regina (Elmview, Parkside and Sunset) and one each in Saskatoon (Preston) and Moose Jaw (Moose Jaw). They can house 550 residents.

Scott Livingstone, the CEO of the health authority, said during a media conference the SHA would take a “methodical, safe and co-ordinated approach” while making the transition. A timeline for the completion of the transition isn’t known.

“Together, the SHA and Extendicare will prioritize establishing a process to transfer operations that maintains consistency of care and service for residents and families, and works with our health system and union partners involved to ensure stability for all staff,” the SHA said in a media release.

Raiders AGM

Raiders impact on Prince Albert local economy continues to go up: AGM report

11h ago

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

Dec 11, 2024

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

Dec 11, 2024

“There are no immediate changes for residents, families and staff as a result of this decision.”

“Extendicare has more than 50 years of experience in Canada working co-operatively with governments, health agencies and community partners to identify solutions to the challenges we face in the sector,” added Dr. Michael Guerriere, Extendicare’s president and CEO.

“We are committed to work collaboratively with the SHA to support the transition process while remaining focused on the needs of residents, families and staff throughout.”

On Aug. 5, the SHA took over the administration of the facilities for a 30-day period. When that expired, the SHA extended the agreement for another month.

On Thursday, the SHA said it would be taking full control of the operation after a review of the Extendicare operation in the province.

“We have worked closely with Extendicare throughout this process and appreciate the co-operation we’ve received during the outbreak at Parkside and throughout the course of our recent co-management arrangement,” Livingstone said.

“Moving in this direction is a result of a number of complex factors, including the lessons we have learned during the pandemic and future demand for long term care services.”

An outbreak at Parkside Extendicare in Regina began in November and wasn’t controlled for two months.

According to a report by the province’s ombudsman, nearly all of the home’s 198 residents contracted COVID, as did 132 staff members. Thirty-nine residents died of COVID and three others who had it died of other causes.

Both Livingstone and Everett Hindley, the province’s minister of seniors, apologized during Thursday’s media conference for the handling of the outbreak at the home.