NDP Leader Howard Hampton today demanded the McGuinty Liberals commit to a minimum daily standard of 3.5 hours of care for residents in Ontario’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

“The McGuinty Liberals have failed to deliver 3.5 hours of hands-on care for our seniors. The most vulnerable seniors are dying in long-term care homes because there’s no minimum standard of care,” said Hampton.

Hampton noted the accidental death of “Wally” Baker, who died last week in a nursing home after a fall from an automated lift. Three days earlier, another nursing home resident, 87-year-old Florence Rose Coxon, was strangled by the restraining belt that kept her in a wheelchair.

In addition, the Ontario Health Coalition today released a report showing that even with investments in long-term care, residents’ needs are not being met.

“How many more families have to go through what the Baker and Coxon families have gone through before the McGuinty government sees fit to implement a minimum standard of care of 3.5 hours a day?” Hampton asked the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Hampton stated that the McGuinty Liberals have turned their backs on the workers, families, and experts who all agree that our loved ones in long-term care deserve a guaranteed minimum standard of 3.5 hours of hands-on care per day and that this minimum should be attached to the average acuity – higher for homes with higher acuity.

“The McGuinty government promised seniors a long-term care revolution. He hasn’t delivered and it’s our frail seniors who are made to suffer because of it,” said Hampton.