Admissions to a Sarnia long-term care home have been suspended until further notice.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care, following an inspection of Sumac Lodge on November 6, has directed Erie St. Clair Home and Community Care Support Services to cease authorizing admissions to the Blackwell Road facility.
The report indicates the suspension, which took effect December 6, is based on the belief that there is a risk of harm to the health or wellbeing of residents of the home or persons who might be admitted as residents.
In an e-mail to Sarnia News Today, the ministry said it has a robust inspection regime in place to promptly address complaints and critical incidents.
"The Ministry of Long-Term Care has issued a Cease of Admissions order to Sumac Lodge due to inconsistent maintenance over the last two years and will give Sumac Lodge the opportunity to address these issues," read the e-mail. "The Cease of Admissions will remain in place to ensure compliance going forward."
Extendicare, Sumac Lodge’s operations manager responsible for all services delivered, issued a statement via email on Tuesday.
"In response to the Ministry’s findings, we have developed an action plan to address these issues promptly, including work with a general contractor that is already underway," said an Extendicare spokesperson. "We are in regular communication with the Ministry to provide status updates on our action plan and receive their direction, and are grateful for their partnership."
The Extendicare spokesperson also said they will continue to keep families, residents, and team members informed of their progress.
"The safety and wellbeing of our residents is paramount," read the statement.
Construction is conditional on approvals from the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
If you have any concerns about the safety of residents in long-term care homes, the ministry said you can call the Long-Term Care Homes Family Support and Action Line at 1-866-434-0144.
