Community of Revelstoke wins one year extension on closure of long-term care facility
Residents of Revelstoke’s Moberly Manor can unpack their suitcases — at least for a few more months — thanks to a high profile campaign waged against the long-term care facility’s closure by family members, staff and the community.
The Interior Health Authority informed the Hospital Employees’ Union (CUPE) today that the timeframe for closing Moberly Manor has been extended to between six and 12 months from now. The IHA has also rescinded lay-off notices for the front-line staff at the facility.
“The community of Revelstoke spoke out and the Campbell Liberals blinked,” says HEU secretary-business manager Chris Allnutt. “And they won’t be the last community to win a reprieve for their long-term care facility.
“For the last two weeks, this government has failed to convince British Columbians that it has a credible plan to care for seniors,” adds Allnutt. “And communities like Revelstoke are refusing to stand by while this government shuffles seniors around like deck chairs on the Titanic.”
The IHA had initially planned to close Moberly Manor in 30 days. After attempting to relocate some of its residents, the IHA was forced to apologize to families for their actions.
The Campbell Liberals have announced the closure of thousands of long-term care beds across the province and insist that residents can be cared for in assisted living or supportive housing arrangements instead.
Contact: Mike Old, communications officer, 604-456-7039