Further loss to seniors’ care options a result of Liberals’ health policy shift away from public health care
The Hospital Employees’ Union (CUPE) says that the Liberals’ plan for seniors’ care is resulting in fewer choices for Vancouver’s frail elderly as Mount St. Joseph’s Hospital moves to permanently close 22 extended care beds by mid-April.
“Seniors who require high levels of care are having public options closed off to them as health facilities like Mount St. Joseph’s shut down extended care beds in their residential care programs,” says HEU secretary-business manager Chris Allnutt.
“The loss to the community of public care options for frail seniors is real. The impact is especially severe on those who do not have the financial means to pay for care.”
Allnutt says that the Liberals’ misguided health policies for seniors’ care are responsible for fewer residential beds being available to frail seniors.
-30- Contact: Margi Blamey, communications officer, 604-456-7094 or 604-785-5324 (cell)