New GPL gets Ministry inspection

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland County announces and important milestone on the road to opening the new Golden Plough Lodge long-term-care home – last week's Ministry of Long-Term Care week-long in-person inspection.

It's an important step in the Ministry's licensing-and-approvals process for the operation of a new home, the press release said.

GPL Administrator Alanna Clark said county staff and project partners worked closely with Ministry officials in support of their work

“This visit is part of our continued engagement with Ministry staff, including a recent virtual tour by officials, to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality for residents,” Clark added.

The inspection included an assessment of resident home areas, building and safety systems, infection-prevention and -control measures, staffing readiness, as well as a comprehensive review of required policies and procedures under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act 2021.

The county is currently awaiting the Ministry's formal report with detailed recommendations, anticipated within the next week – at which time the project team will review the report and develop an action plan to address any outstanding requirements. In the meantime, teams have begun working on initial actions identified to advance operational readiness, including installation of additional handrails and call bells, adjustments to lighting, and modifications to workflows and policies for the new environment.

The county's report back to the Ministry in early June will specify remaining timelines for any final work to be completed.

More timelines for resident move-in will be shared at that time.