Alleged assault, neglect at Regina's Santa Maria care home

Multiple employees at Regina's Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home have been suspended after allegedly neglecting and assaulting a resident.

John Kelly, executive director with Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home, issued a statement today saying the institution has already taken action following the incident.

"A video recording of the incident and other details have been provided to Regina Police for criminal investigation," Kelly wrote. "Further, Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home and Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region have engaged an external investigator to look into the issue of resident neglect. We are cooperating fully."

Santa Maria is in the process of notifying the family members of other residents.

"Following the notification of the incident, the employees involved were immediately removed from our premises and suspended until further notice," Kelly said in the release. "We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to resident harm."

Kelly also said "we are deeply troubled by this incident and sincerely apologize."

Ombudsman Saskatchewan is currently conducting an external review of Santa Maria's operations and care procedures.

Tonight Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan also issued a statement on the situation.

"I am completely appalled at the serious allegation of employees assaulting a senior in their care at Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home," Duncan wrote. "Our government has zero tolerance for abuse of seniors. If these allegations are true, any employee involved will face the most severe discipline possible and could face criminal charges, pending the outcome of the police investigation."

Duncan said he has directed the Ministry of Health "to examine what options are available for either the Ministry or the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region to step in and take a more active role in the day-to-day operations of Santa Maria until we are confident that concerns with this facility have been resolved."

The NDP opposition also weighed in. Party leader Cam Broten said in a statement, "Seniors in care facilities deserve high quality care, as well as dignity and respect. I have absolutely no tolerance for any abuse of seniors in care facilities, and I do not accept any excuses aimed at justifying abuse."

Broten went on to ask the government to implement minimum care standards for care homes and establish a senior's advocate.