The Good Samaritan Society issued a press release in response to a Western News story (March 27) which identified the Village by the Station seniors care facility as one of two in Penticton designated as high risk by the Interior Health Authority.
The society operates the Village complex on Hastings Avenue.
The other facility named by the health authority was Haven Hill Retirement Centre. As a result of inspections by the government agency both were listed as having four critical infractions along with nine non-critical at Village and 11 non-critical at Haven Hill. In their press release, Good Samaritan Society stated it was; “dismayed by the recent newspaper article about their Penticton site and have completed actions and continue to provide high-quality care for their residents.”
“Our site leaders and clinicians care very much about our residents and families” said Bev Freeman, site manager, in the release.
The release also stated Freeman spent the past weekend working with her team, and meeting with residents and families.
A call to the site manager identifying the matter prior to the story appearing in print on March 27 was not returned.
A Good Samaritan Society spokesperson noted as soon as Interior Health requested the organization develop an action plan to address the infractions it quickly set out to resolve any issues.
“We take any concerns raised in our facilities very seriously,” said Erin Bampton, GSS acting vice president of care and quality in the release. “Seniors care is our passion and quality care is our focus. Immediately following the inspection, we began work on an action plan to address the concerns, and submitted our report to Interior Health on March 6. I would feel confident admitting a loved one into Village by the Station, having already had my own experience with her mother with Dementia who required care.
“Our facilities are safe homes to many seniors with different care requirements. We look forward to our continued partnership with Interior Health. We believe we have addressed any issues and are now working to augment our clinical excellence in the region through the addition of a best practice leader.”
Brampton added, GSS was established in 1949, and is a Christian-based organization committed to providing care to those in need or at risk, regardless of race or religious beliefs and strive to provide safe, comfortable communities inspiring involvement, where people experience a sense of caring, belonging and purpose. In the original story, general manager Shannon Coco of Haven Hill said it too was addressing concerns raised by the health authority and were planning to meet with officials to address the high risk classification.