CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The province’s biggest union is pushing Alberta Health Services (AHS) to take over the operation of four care homes in the Calgary Zone, accusing the company of bungling its handling of outbreaks.
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says AHS has an obligation to ensure safe continuing care.
It points out the four facilities run by AgeCare, Skypointe, Glenmore, and Walden Heights in Calgary and Sagewood in Strathmore, have all had outbreaks and impacted hundreds of people.
Mike Dempsy with the union says staff have expressed alarm about major operational problems.
“There has been a number of members that have brought to our attention that they are being pressured to work when they’re sick or to return before fully recovering from COVID-19.”
He adds workers are worried about burnout as well.
“Because of the fact that they’re short-staffed or they get pressured to come back to work when they’re not feeling that great and that’s just a recipe for disaster.”
At Skypointe, more than 40 residents have died and 350 people have tested positive.
At Walden Heights, there have been 26 deaths so far.
