As a result of the spread of COVID-19 at Extendicare Parkside in Regina, the SHA has entered in to a co-management agreement with Extendicare to co-manage the care home. This will better enable the SHA and Extendicare to work together to protect the health and safety of residents.
As part of the agreement, SHA will assume responsibility for day-to-day operational control at Parkside, enabling the SHA to deploy and direct clinical and operational staff, adjust clinical and operational policies/procedures and revise care plans. The agreement is effective immediately and will continue until January 15, 2021, with an option for the SHA to extend 30 more days based on an assessment of the situation. The SHA is also supporting Extendicare by conducting Infection Prevention and Control audits and safety reviews at its other facilities in Saskatchewan.
“Our hearts go out to the families that have been impacted by this very tragic situation,” said SHA CEO Scott Livingstone. “Although we have been mobilizing for many days to respond to the spread of COVID-19 at this care home, this agreement strengthens our ability to support the residents and families and staff at Parkside. We appreciate Extendicare’s cooperation in moving this forward so quickly, and expect this agreement will assist us in containing further growth of cases and better protecting the health and lives of those affected by this situation that need our care.”
“We requested additional assistance from the Saskatchewan Health Authority when it became clear that our team at Extendicare Parkside needed more help to manage the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Ron Parent, Extendicare Regional Director for Manitoba and Saskatchewan. “We welcome and deeply appreciate the support we are receiving from the SHA and are grateful that they have agreed to engage with our home more directly. Together we will be in a stronger position to deliver the level of care our residents need while we clear the virus from the home as quickly as possible.”
The SHA is notifying residents, families, unions and staff today and will continue to communicate to better assess their needs and deploy the supports necessary.
Protect our health system and keep your friends and family safe
With the recent surge in cases, the SHA is reminding the public that the primary factor in enabling the health system to meet the demand created by the COVID-19 virus is actions taken by Saskatchewan residents to stop the spread. Please help us by:
- Physical distancing;
- Washing your hands regularly;
- Limiting your bubble as much as possible;
- Abiding by all public health orders;
- Wear a mask whenever you are in public indoor settings;
- Stay home if you are feeling even the mildest symptoms as an increasing number of cases are residents going to work when sick; and
- Download the Government of Canada COVID Alert App and use it to protect yourself and your loved ones