The local health unit has ordered Powassan’s Dosanjh long term care home, a place for people with mental issues, closed over concerns for the health of residents living there.
The 37 residents are being temporarily moved out, but it could take some time to rectify the issues.
"It's my understanding the Health Unit ordered it to be closed. due to various health and safety concerns," Mary Davis, CEO of CMHA North Bay told BayToday. "There are issues with deteriorating cleanliness, issues with mould, there were issues with mouse feces, and numerous other violations."
The home's owner, a private operator, was notified yesterday about the closure and issues surrounding it, The latest owners bought the building nine months ago.
"But it's a long list," said Davis," and we expect it will take some time."
Davis says CMHA has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that these clients continue to receive care and support during this temporary relocation.
"The safety and well-being of the affected individuals is our top priority,” said Davis. “Our team is working diligently to ensure these clients are provided with safe and appropriate care.”
Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac said the home has been a fixture on Main Street and in the town for decades.
“The residents are valued members of our community, just like anyone else. We stand with CMHA and support their actions to ensure that these individuals receive the care they deserve.”
The Health Unit, in an email to BayToday, says it is mandated to conduct routine inspections of food preparation and storage areas.
It did an audit at Dosanjh on Monday, October 24, in response to a complaint.
See the list of health hazards here.
"The Health Unit issued a closure order based on reasonable and probable grounds of health hazards existing in the facility, related to unsanitary conditions," it said in an emailed response.
But the Health Unit declined to get into the specifics of why the home was shut down.
"Given the vulnerability of many of the individuals involved, and that the hazards identified do not present a health risk to the general population, this Order will not be posted publicly."
Dosanjh is an independently owned care home that operates under the Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) program. That program is intended to assist tenants by providing appropriate housing and support services within their own community.
A phone call and email to Dosanjh by BayToday went unanswered.
