A recent ministry inspection of a Six Nations long-term care home has brought to light allegations of sexual abuse, neglect and general misconduct.
During an audit of the Iroquois Lodge, first published Oct. 19, inspectors from Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care discovered that a staff member had allegedly sexually assaulted a resident.
According to the report, the nursing home had investigated the incident and says it confirmed the sexual assault had occurred.
An employee was fired as a result of the care home’s investigation, but police were never notified.
As a result, the ministry found the care home non-compliant in its duty to protect its residents.
When asked about the alleged incident, a spokesperson from Six Nations of the Grand River told CHCH News that they could not elaborate.
“Out of respect for the residence and the family, we are providing no further comment at this time,” wrote Darryl Smart, the reserve’s public relations coordinator.
He went on to clarify that the employee had been fired since the incident had occurred and can no longer be rehired, but would not elaborate on how long the staff member had worked at Iroquois Lodge or share any details relating to the case.
It remains unclear whether or not this particular incident involving the terminated employee has been reported to police, but Smart added in his response that “all [incidences] of this nature, will be reported to the police.”
A joint statement was issued on behalf of the reservation’s Chief and its elected council earlier this week.
In it, they acknowledge the report and say they were made aware of the ministry inspection on November 28, nearly 40 days after the report was issued.
“A thorough review will be conducted of existing policies, clinical processes, and procedures to ensure that Iroquois Lodge residents and their families receive the highest standards of quality care,” according to the statement.
In addition to the infraction for its mishandling of the sexual assault, Iroquois Lodge was given written notifications for eight other shortcomings, including incorrectly carrying out vulnerable sector checks on its employees and failing to secure the facility’s exterior perimeter doors from residents.
