Gates: Ford government must intervene at Oakwood Park Lodge

NIAGARA FALLS — NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) is demanding immediate action at Oakwood Park Lodge long-term care home in Niagara Falls, where an outbreak of COVID-19 has infected at least 90 residents at the 153-bed facility, as well as 60 staff members, and nine lives have already been lost.

“I am hearing from residents, staff and worried family members about what’s happening at Oakwood Park Lodge. It’s clear the Ford government needs to step in immediately and take over this home. Lives are at stake and there isn’t a minute to waste,” said Gates.

Gates says he has received complaints of chronic understaffing, inadequate PPE and lack of communication from the owners of the home, Conmed, a for-profit corporation.

“If we have this many people with COVID-19 in that home, and only a handful of PSWs left trying to care for them – it’s a complete disaster. The Ministry needs to step in now to take over this home and get more staff there right now,” said Gates.

Gates also revealed that that many of the frontline workers at Oakwood Park Lodge are now self-isolating without pay. “We’ve heard appalling stories from this home of PSWs having to work without proper PPE putting themselves, and their families, at risk. At least 60 have now been infected, and have to stay home without pay during the holidays,” said Gates.

Gates says the Ford government must deploy every resource available, including sending in the Red Cross or the Canadian Armed Forces, to save lives before it’s too late.

“We have to move quickly to protect these residents and ensure they have the care they need to fight the virus. The Ford government must take action immediately if we are to contain the spread of COVID-19 in this home and prevent more deaths,” said Gates.