Toronto – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today that the first meeting of the External Advisory Committee in charge of providing independent advice on the audit of the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre was held on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at the facility. The Committee, chaired by the Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent, includes representation from organizations involved in Veterans’ issues, and individuals with health expertise.
"This first meeting has now occurred and through the participation and commitment of the members and the Veterans Ombudsman, who is leading this committee, we are taking concrete steps forward," said Minister Blaney. "The health and well-being of Veterans and their family members remain a matter of paramount importance and we look forward to the results of the audit when complete."
In November 2012, the Minister directed that an audit be conducted at the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook to address concerns raised about the quality of care at the facility. In addition to the audit and the work of the committee, the Department has appointed a VAC liaison nursing officer to work collaboratively with Sunnybrook to continue to address any resident or family concerns in a timely and satisfactory manner.
While the audit is still in progress, on-site visits and interviews with over 100 residents and family members have been recently completed. The audit results are expected in the winter of 2013.
The Veterans Ombudsman, Guy Parent, has elected to participate as an independent observer throughout the audit process and is providing an independent avenue for Veterans and their families to raise additional or other concerns.
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