February 5, 2003

Ms. Diane Mirosh
Executive Director
Alberta Long Term Care Association
#509 – 5241, Calgary Trail
Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8

Dear Ms. Mirosh:

We thank you for graciously consent to meet with us this morning. As per our letter delivered to you this morning, we reiterate some of the identified issues which you intend to bring before your membership.

Understaffing which results in warehousing and strong failure to provide safe, ethical, compassionate nursing care.

1. Psychotropic medication shall not be prescribed or administered without the informed, written consent of the resident, the resident’s guardian or other authorized representative.
2. Diapering of resident (unless incontinent) shall not be carried out without the informed, written consent of the resident, the resident’s guardian or other authorized representative.
3. Permanent relegation of resident to bed shall not be carried out without the informed, written consent of the resident, the resident’s guardian or other authorized representative or two medical doctors.
4. Nurse’s notes and medical file to be available on demand by the resident, the residents guardian or other authorized representative.
5. Establish and maintain a written protocol regarding missing or stolen belongings of residents.

We shall be anticipating a reply from you after you have had an opportunity to present these matters to your ALTC membership at your end of February meeting. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

Elder Advocates of Alberta