Written By David Gomez
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - Five compliance orders issued to Strathmere Lodge earlier this year have been cleared after a follow-up inspection by Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care found no outstanding issues.
Strathmere Lodge Administrator Brent Kerwin presented the results to Middlesex County Council on September 8. The orders followed an April inspection connected to a critical incident report involving staff-to-resident verbal abuse. They required the Lodge to review its zero-tolerance abuse policy and provide further staff education, particularly around the requirement to report suspected, alleged or witnessed abuse.
Ministry inspectors returned in July for a five-day follow-up. After reviewing the Lodge’s corrective actions, records, policies and staff training, all five previous compliance orders were found to be in compliance.
“There are no outstanding order matters from the April inspection,” Kerwin told council. The July inspection also examined two additional critical incident reports submitted by the Lodge. Two concerned resident falls that resulted in hospital transfers. The Ministry reported no findings of non-compliance in those matters either.
Kerwin said the Lodge will continue emphasizing resident safety and dignity, abuse prevention, reporting requirements and staff accountability.
During the council discussion, Councillor Brian Ropp welcomed the increased public attention being given to Lodge matters. “If we don’t address it in public and address it like this, we don’t get better,” he said.
Middlesex County CAO Paul Shipway explained that Lodge-related matters are now being more clearly identified on council agendas so councillors can address them in their role as the facility’s Board of Management.
Warden Susan Clarke also emphasized council’s responsibility toward residents, describing them as “some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Council subsequently received the Ministry inspection report for information.
