What probes were done on violent deaths at Nova Scotia’s long-term care homes

MIDDLETON, N.S. – Eight seniors have died in long-term care homes in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2016 as “a result of violence,” as described in coroners’ reports to the government. The list below indicates if the province received a critical incident report, describing serious events, and whether a Protection of Person in Care report was completed. The province says if an incident report is received “that involves death due to resident on resident abuse then a Protection of Person in Care report should be generated.”

Aug. 12, 2008, Mountain Lea Lodge, Bridgetown

A critical incident report was prepared and the province prepared a Protection of Person in Care Act report.

May 18, 2009, Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow

The province received a critical incident report but did not prepare a Protection of Person in Care Act report.

July 8, 2011, Harbour View Haven, Lunenburg

No Protection of Person in Care Act report was filed. The Health Department says that it determined the death wasn’t the result of the incident. However, the medical examiner’s office continues to classify the death as a “homicide.”

Feb. 5, 2011, Arborstone, Halifax

An incident report was received and a Protection of Person in Care Act report was filed.

March 1, 2012, Mountain Lea Lodge

The province says no incident report was received and no Protection of Person in Care Act report was filed.

Oct. 6, 2013, Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax

The province says no investigation was carried out because the incident occurred in a portion of the facility that isn’t a licensed nursing home.

Sept. 15, 2015, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney

An incident report and Protection of Persons in Care report were completed. The report’s directives were received by The Canadian Press and say that there were “multiple incidents occurring on the day of the incident,” “the care plan reviewed did not guide staff,” and that “there is evidence staff did not draw on available resources.”

Sept. 20, 2015, Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax

An incident report and Protection of Persons in Care report were completed.

(SOURCE: Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service, Department of Health and Wellness.)

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