November 12, 1997
(Health)

Lakeside Homes kitchen reinstated

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health, announced today that the kitchen at Lakeside Homes in Gander would be reinstated as soon as possible. She added that a new departmental policy may have to be established to address the issue of food and food services at hospitals, nursing homes, and personal care homes throughout the province.

"The original concerns of the residents of Lakeside Homes have changed," said the minister. "Now, even with full implementation of the consultant's recommendations, it is obvious that the needs of the residents would not be adequately addressed."

After issues about food services were raised by residents of Lakeside Homes last month, the minister commissioned an independent registered dietician to evaluate the process and report back to the Department of Health and the Central East Health Board.

"When the concerns of residents were first brought to my attention, I acted quickly to have an independent assessment done," said the minister. "I am now acting quickly to respond to further needs of the residents of Lakeside Homes. I have also had continual contact with Minister Kelly who has been a strong advocate for the seniors in her district and who was clear about their needs and concerns."

The consultant's report which was made public on November 5, 1997 did not recommend the reinstatement of the kitchen but did suggest a number of improvements which might address the needs of the residents. The minister encouraged the board to implement all of the recommendations and they were being implemented. However, she said it became obvious that the residents were not satisfied with this approach and would only be satisfied with the reinstatement of the kitchen at Lakeside Homes.

"It made sense to see if the consultants recommendations would satisfy the needs of residents," said the minister. "We sought expert advice but the seniors have spoken for themselves. We respect their judgement in this case and we are acting as quickly as possible to make positive changes for them."

The minister said: "In the near future, I will be meeting with the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Care Association to consult with them on putting in place a policy that will look at all food services options available, including the cooking of food at the seniors homes for residents and the delivery of cooked food from a nursing home to patients of hospitals in the area.

Throughout the province there are a number of different food services models in place. The minister said in some areas food is cooked at the hospital and brought to homes and it is working successfully. In other areas food is cooked at the home and brought to the hospital. In some areas kitchens are run privately while in others staff are in place at the facility.

Contact: Glenn Bruce, Director of Communications, (709) 729-1377.