The board of directors of Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. has announced the interim management of Rainycrest Home for the Aged is progressing well and moving forward.
Board chair Craig Sanders stated Riverside is committed to working out long-term solutions for the ongoing operation of the home.
“The staff are actively participating and co-operating in creating solutions to compliance issues,” Sanders reported. “We commend the staff for their efforts and for accepting the challenge.”
Riverside CEO Wayne Woods said compliance officers from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care left the home Friday and will return for another inspection April 18.
Previously, compliance officers had been in the home on a daily basis. “That’s a good indication that we’re on track,” Woods noted.
“Since Riverside has been on-site, many of the non-compliance issues are being dealt with on a continuous improvement basis,” the board said in a press release issued Tuesday.
“Changes have occurred that will ensure the safety of the residents and make for a positive work experience for the employees.
“Policies and procedures that have worked well for Riverside are being implemented daily, and the general consensus of residents, families, and staff is that the changes are welcome and long overdue,” it added.
“It is our intent to move as quickly as possible on the non-compliance issues and develop Rainycrest into a first-class facility,” Woods said.
Riverside is in the process of developing an action plan to submit to the ministry, and will begin a search for about three key positions at the home.
As new management is hired and trained, the team from Extendicare will be phased out, Woods noted.
Riverside also commissioned an audit on Rainycrest’s books for all transactions prior to March 18, 2005.
“We took over on March 19. We want to know for our satisfaction, and so that we have a clean starting point, we want to know everything that transpired before that,” Woods explained.
“It’s due to the fact that we want a clean starting point,” he added. “In order to do that, you have to have the audit and you have to close things off.”
The audit began Monday and is expected to take about three weeks. Once it is complete, Riverside will request a general meeting with district municipalities to go over the results.
“At that time, we would also hope to gain the insight of the municipalities and to discuss the future direction of Rainycrest,” noted Sanders.
The Riverside board also has decided to establish a sub-committee with representation from across the district to deal with issues related to Rainycrest.
Woods said members have not yet been appointed, adding the mandate and terms of reference will be established prior to Riverside’s next monthly board meeting scheduled for April 28.
Riverside also will keep municipalities informed of the progress at Rainycrest through monthly letters.
Fort Frances Times
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