Ontario Announces Plan to Hire More than 4,000 Long-Term Care Workers
Ontario is setting aside up to $270 million to hire more than 4,000 long-term care workers by the end of the fiscal year. The details of the funding were announced by Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips, who said that it’s part of a plan to hire more workers in the sector so the province can meet a goal of getting long-term care residents an average of four hours of direct care per day by 2025.
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COVID-19 Booster Shots Now Recommended for Long-Term Care Residents
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is now recommending COVID-19 booster shots for residents of long-term care homes and seniors living in other congregate settings across Canada, such as retirement homes, assisted-living facilities, and chronic care hospitals. The suggestion is for seniors who have already received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be offered a third shot at least six months after their last dose.
Hundreds of Healthcare Workers at London Hospitals Remain Unvaccinated
As vaccine deadlines approach at both London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care in fewer than three weeks, there are still hundreds of healthcare workers who remain unvaccinated. “What we’re really focusing on at this point is reaching out to all the staff who have not been vaccinated and offering any support we can,” explained Carol Young-Ritchie, LHSC Executive Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer, and Chief Nursing Officer.
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Ontario Supports People Living with Dementia
The Ontario government is investing up to $527,900 in Dementia Friendly Communities. “Ontario’s population is aging, and projections show that growing numbers of Ontarians will be living with dementia. This investment will help raise awareness of Dementia Friendly Communities and provide communities and first responders with much-needed resources to help keep older Ontarians living with dementia safe,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
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Ontario Working to Help Alberta's Healthcare System Battle COVID-19 Surge
Ontario officials are working to determine what support the province can provide to help Alberta's crippled healthcare system as it battles its deadly fourth wave of COVID-19. "This is a truly cross-Canadian effort. There was a time when Ontario needed some help as well and other provinces helped us, and we will certainly do the same to help Alberta," said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott.
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Healthcare Organizations and Politicians Condemn Protests Outside Hospitals Across Canada
Healthcare organizations and politicians have condemned the series of protests against vaccine mandates and other COVID-19-related public health measures that were held outside hospitals across Canada on Monday, considering them as "unacceptable and unfair" to staff and patients. The protests were organized by Canadian Frontline Nurses, a group founded by two Ontario nurses who have promoted conspiracy theories about COVID-19.