The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses is calling for an investigation into the COVID-19 deaths at Parkside Extendicare in Regina.

SUN President Tracy Zambory says at least 40 of the province’s seniors who were living at the facility have died and she says that almost all residents and staff at the care home have been infected since a COVID-19 outbreak was first declared on November 20th.

Zambory says reports from SUN members indicate under staffing, overcrowding, poor ventilation and lack of Personal Protective Equipment. The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses feels the factors which lead to Parkside Extendicare’s lack of preparedness needs to be examined. As well, Zambory says there are lessons to be learned and not just at the facility itself but throughout the long-term care system.

Zambory wrote a letter to Premier Scott Moe requesting a Public Inquiry into the COVID-19 Outbreak at Extendicare Parkside. Some of the key questions the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses would like to see answered include:

How COVID-19 first came into Extendicare Parkside?

How COVID-19 transmission occurred so quickly and spread so broadly in Extendicare Parkside?

What measures could have been taken to have avoided, or lessened the devastating effects of COVID-19 on the residents of Extendicare Parkside?

What preventative measures should be implemented at Extendicare Parkside and in all other similar facilities to prevent a similar devastating outbreak and to limit loss of life?