To Premier Ranj Pillai
I would like to draw your attention to the disrespectful and unethical treatment of the residents, their families and employees of Unit 2 of the Thomson Centre Long Term Care Facility. With a two-week warning, it has been announced that the residents and staff will be relocated from the Thomson Centre to Whistle Bend Place Care Facility. This relocation is to commence July 16. Some of the Residents have been part of Unit 2 for months and in some cases, for years. It has been often stated that the Residents should look upon the Care Home as their home. That the care and well being of the Residents is the prime focus of Long-Term Care. Can any of you imagine how you would feel or react if someone rang your doorbell and announced to you that the moving truck will arrive in ten days to relocate you and your possessions to another part of the city? No discussion. No option. Just get packed up and go. What a fine way to treat a group of Seniors, all who are in failing health. Familiarity of surroundings is an important aspect for most individuals faced with cognitive health issues. The way this relocation is being implemented is dictatorial, disrespectful and disgusting. It is proceeding without any regard of the needs or preferences of those involved. The attitude of those responsible for how this move is being implemented is definitely UNACCEPTABLE!
I would think it is equally unacceptable to treat the dedicated staff of the unit in this dictatorial fashion.
I know that the decision to use part of the Thomson Centre to alleviate congestion of our hospital was approved on a political level. It sounds good on the evening news or reads well in the newspaper and on social media. It shows the public how our government is being proactive. Unfortunately these news items seldom draw attention to or reflect the number of individuals that our callous government is willing to throw under the bus in order to look good to the voting public before the next election.
Sincerely
-Frank Schwertner, Whitehorse
