August 25, 2008	PDF format : 16 Kb

A community meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26 to hear the impact on residents and families of VIHA's attempted quick closure of Cowichan Lodge. The meeting will give residents, families and healthcare providers the opportunity to describe the personal impact of VIHA's attempt to quickly close the Duncan, BC senior's care facility.

Family members will recount how their loved ones were impacted by VIHA's attempt to close the Lodge in September 2008. Family statements will be read from sworn evidence that was going to be presented during the appeal process.

VIHA recognized it would lose the appeal by Cowichan Lodge families on its attempted quick closure of the long term care facility. On August 20, 2008 VIHA reversed its decision to close the lodge in two months opting instead for the statutory 12 months notice of closure. As a result of VIHA's reversal, the Community Care and Assisted Living Appeals Board cancelled the families' appeal hearings.

Residents of Cowichan Lodge died after VIHA made its closure announcement. There was no consultation with families and little preparation to move frail senior citizens to other long term care facilities. Families and residents of Cowichan Lodge still await consultation from VIHA.

The community meeting will be held at the following time and location:

For further information contact: