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Although Réseau FADOQ recognizes the importance of holding people in key positions in the healthcare network accountable, especially in CHSLDs, it believes that governments are also responsible for improving the healthcare system.

While positive measures are included in Health and Social Services Minister Christian Dubé’s plan to prepare Quebec’s healthcare system for a possible second wave of COVID-19, the country’s largest seniors’ organization points out that the health and social crises have exacerbated the harmful effects of chronic underfunding of long-term care.

“For more than a decade, politicians have been directly involved in the underfunding of long-term care and our dilapidated healthcare facilities,” said Réseau FADOQ president Gisèle Tassé-Goodman. “They must assume their responsibilities to avoid past mistakes.”

Positive corrective measures

Réseau FADOQ welcomes the measures to reduce staff movement between contaminated and uncontaminated zones and facilities, but questions the feasibility of this objective.

“Our organization believes that it would be much easier to limit movement if there were more personnel and better staff-to-patient ratios. To achieve this objective, the Legault government must start increasing healthcare staff-to-patient ratios over the medium term, which would enable Quebec to deal with other similar crises in the future,” explained Ms. Tassé-Goodman.

Even though it’s late in coming, Réseau FADOQ applauds the boost in home care and services. Many vulnerable seniors suffered the consequences of the disruption in their continuum of care. It is important that home care and services be maintained in the event of a second wave. Réseau FADOQ will also be monitoring the problem of postponed surgeries, which has impacted numerous seniors.