Ontario Supports Management Agreement Between University Health Network and St. George Care Community

Temporary Measures Are Required to Help Contain COVID-19 Outbreak

TORONTO — The Ministry of Long-Term Care has approved a new Voluntary Management Contract that allows University Health Network to provide enhanced support to St. George Care Community.

This arrangement will help address the current spread of COVID-19 in the home, help stabilize the situation and return the home to normal operations.

“Our government is doing everything we can to protect the most vulnerable, our long-term care residents,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “By taking this step, the dedicated staff at University Health Network and St. George Care Community will work together to stop the COVID-19 outbreak in this long-term care home.”

During these unprecedented times, the province is using every tool available to keep Ontarians safe. Management contracts are one example of the measures Ontario has taken on behalf of long-term care residents and staff. Ongoing measures include emergency funding, regulatory flexibility, staffing support, expanded testing, along with direction and guidance on outbreak management, and infection prevention and control.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care will continue to make decisions based on case-by-case assessments, and in partnership with the local hospitals, as to which long-term care homes may require additional interim hospital support.

QUICK FACTS

• The Voluntary Management Contract will be in effect for 90 days. If necessary, these arrangements can be extended.
• To date, the Ministry of Long-Term Care has issued seven Mandatory Management Orders and approved 24 Voluntary Management Contracts between Ontario hospitals and long-term care homes.
• The province’s vaccine strategy prioritizes the most vulnerable populations first, including health care workers and residents of long-term care homes, who are at higher risk of contracting the virus