Statement by NDP Leader Gary Burrill about nursing home conditions

HALIFAX - NDP Leader Gary Burrill made the following statement in response to the news story today about Chrissy Dunnington, a nursing home patient, who died as a result of bedsores:

“The story of Chrissy Dunnington and her family is deeply distressing and wholly unacceptable. Patients and their families should be able to rely on the government to do everything possible to keep residents of nursing homes healthy and safe.

Following two years of cuts under the Liberal government, we have heard directly from nursing home staff that patient care is suffering. These recent tragedies confirm the concerns that have been raised by nursing home residents and their families, staff, administrators, and advocates.

The province should increase staffing at nursing homes immediately. We must do everything in our power to ensure that residents of nursing homes are not at risk of neglect.”

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