PCH Resident Stays Anonymous to Avoid Repercussions

 

A couple of weeks ago, before the outbreak at Parkview Place exceeded that of Prince Edward Island, a resident gave an interview to the Free Press about conditions inside the home.  

Let that one sit in.  Parkview Place is a personal care home with a capacity of 275 beds.  An anonymous source providing information from the inside.  The inmates at any penal institution have more access to the outside world.  Regardless, this resident wanted to remain anonymous because s/he was afraid of repercussions from staff or management.  

Excuse me?  What repercussions could there be?  There could only be two:  abuse or neglect.  There are several types of abuse and different forms of neglect.  As it turns out, from the limited information that we can get out of the facility, that resident has reason to be concerned.  But, wait, there are safeguards against this.  There is the Office for Protection of Person's in Care. The PPCO has a duty to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect of older persons in care.  But wait, no independent agency has been allowed into the facility since March to monitor or provide assistance or interventions.  

We have left residents alone to fend for themselves.  Yet, we have atleast one willing to risk their own health to alert the media about the conditions.  Are we now a developing country that our citizens are afraid to exercise freedom of speech?  Unreal.  And, as bad as it must be, the resident is worried that things could get worse if they reveal her or his name.  

This doesn't lead to any of us having any confidence in the management of Parkview Place to care for their residents.  

Parkview should take a smart phone and let their residents participate in a virtual press conference.  Any resident who would like to speak or take questions should be allowed to participate.  Take the camera, let us see what is going on, and let the residents speak for themselves if they want to.  Showing complete transparency is the only way to give the family members of those residents some peace.  

Don't worry, Parkview.  We know you are dealing with an outbreak that exceeds the population of one province.  We don't expect things to be perfect.  We are willing to give you a lot of grace.  And, this really isn't about you.  It is about your residents.