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<\/p>\nThe operator of one of the province\u2019s largest long-term care homes says it\u2019s working to address serious concerns about an infestation of mice and mice droppings.<\/p>\n
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But Alberta\u2019s Opposition NDP says the longstanding problem at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre was flagged to authorities six months ago.<\/p>\n
Scott Baerg, senior officer of continuing care operations at Covenant Health, said in a statement Thursday the safety, dignity and care of residents is their top priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe take this concern seriously and are working hard to rectify the situation,\u201d he said. That includes recently hiring a new pest control company to do regular inspections, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf evidence of pests is found, it is rectified quickly, communicated to site leadership and potential entry points secured,\u201d Baerg said.<\/p>\n
NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman said it\u2019s not a new issue, and she raised the alarm about mice at the facility last summer, including with health inspectors.<\/p>\n
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But she said on a recent visit with a man living in the facility, she saw continued evidence, including mice droppings, in his room.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust knowing that if his blanket falls on the floor in the middle of the night, there\u2019s probably going to be mice crawling all over his blanket \u2014 it just makes my skin crawl,\u201d Hoffman said in an interview.<\/p>\n
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The centre, run by publicly funded Covenant Health, advertises it accommodates almost 500 people in the city\u2019s downtown, providing long-term, subacute and hospice care.<\/p>\n
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Baerg confirmed that the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre is at full capacity.<\/p>\n
Health Canada warns mice \u2013 particularly mice droppings \u2013 can be a serious health hazard. The agency says breathing in particles from droppings of mice, particularly deer mice, can cause hantavirus infection, leading to severe respiratory illness. It cautions against haphazardly sweeping up the droppings, as that could increase the risk of illness.<\/p>\n
Hoffman said the mice are living where people sleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever is happening on the pest control side is not enough because it\u2019s clear that there are mice living in the same rooms as patients,\u201d she said. \u201cThe government really should be prioritizing this and putting the resources in to make sure that everyone \u2026 is safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ron Guetter, a spiritual care volunteer for more than two years, said he\u2019s seen mice and mouse traps in the unit rooms he visits. He said residents have shared their own sightings with him, but some have trouble advocating for themselves.<\/p>\n
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