NDP Leader Howard Hampton today slammed the McGuinty government for its failure to deliver improved hands-on care for seniors in Ontario’s long-term care facilities.

“Our seniors are not getting the care they need because staff are overworked. Dalton McGuinty’s response is to provide a meager extra five minutes of hands-on care per day. Everyone – from workers to families to long-term care experts – agrees that what we need is an extra hour of hands-on care per day,” said Hampton.

He pointed to the case of 87-year-old Florence Rose Coxon, who spent the final years of her life restrained in a wheelchair at a Toronto nursing home. Ten days ago, Mrs. Coxon was left alone in her chair. She struggled to slide free from the restraining belt at her waist, but the strap caught her throat and strangled her.

“Mrs. Coxon’s family said staff at the nursing home were overworked and didn’t have time to provide enough hands-on care to residents. They believe that played a role in what happened to her,” said Hampton.

“No other family should have to go through what this family is going through. But we need this government to make a meaningful investment in long-term care, to bring the minimum standard of hands-on care to three-and-a-half hours per day.”

Hampton said the McGuinty’s government claim that it is improving long-term care is empty.

“Time and time again, we see the unfortunate ramifications when staff in long-term care are overworked. Mrs. Coxon is just the latest sad example. Dalton McGuinty promised a revolution in long-term care. He has failed to deliver,” said Hampton.