Port Alberni long-term care residents, staff say care has declined for years
CBC
Residents, staff and former employees at two Port Alberni long-term care homes say they're at a breaking point after complaining for years about alleged serious mismanagement in the workplace.
"It's terrible. They're running us into the ground," said an employee at Fir Park Village and Echo Village, who cited a myriad of "bullying and harassment" from management, and alleged violations of the workers' collective agreement, including improper scheduling and pay, particularly for casual and part-time employees.
Residents also say the issues have affected the quality of care, with some rooms not being properly cleaned, and some residents not being bathed or changed regularly. Earlier this month, one resident joined a protest outside the building.
The CBC has agreed to keep all employee names confidential due to their fears of persecution from their employer.
Another staff member said care began declining after new management stepped in around eight years ago, and that many complaints have been made to the Alberni-Clayoquot Continuing Care Society (ACCCS), which operates the homes, and to the Hospital Employees' Union and the Vancouver Island Health Authority — to no avail.
The employee said around 30 staff members have left the past few years due to issues with management, who they allege are not receptive to most of their concerns.
"[Management] will beat around the bush. [They'll] defer the conversation. Nothing ever gets solved," they said.