Northern Health hit with court order after failing to respond to request about care home conditions

B.C.’s privacy watchdog has recently taken a significant step in addressing concerns about the conditions at a long-term care facility operated by the Northern Health Authority in Fort St. John, B.C. Caroline Alexander, a member of the resident and family council at Peace Villa, the sole long-term care facility in the northeastern city of approximately 21,000 residents, initiated freedom of information requests to seek clarity on various issues within the facility.

The council, which aims to advocate for residents and families and collaborate with operators to enhance the quality of care, has raised concerns over the years. These include reports of rooms being too cold for residents and a lack of snacks between meals. However, Alexander expressed frustration at the lack of transparency regarding decision-making processes leading to these issues, prompting her to file freedom of information requests earlier this year for internal documents and emails related to the facility.

Despite legal obligations for public bodies, including health authorities, to respond to such requests within specified timelines, Northern Health failed to do so. Subsequently, Alexander sought assistance from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, leading to the issuance of a court order by Commissioner Michael Harvey to compel the health authority to fulfill its obligations.

Harvey emphasized the importance of public bodies complying with information requests promptly to uphold transparency and accountability. While Northern Health cited capacity issues as a reason for the delays, Harvey highlighted the need for organizations to prioritize sharing information publicly as mandated by provincial laws.

The commissioner stressed that transparency is essential for maintaining public trust in health services, emphasizing that failing to meet these obligations could erode confidence in the system. Alexander expressed gratitude for the attention given to her concerns and emphasized the importance of accountability in ensuring that residents and their families receive the care they deserve.

The ongoing efforts to address the issues at Peace Villa underscore the significance of transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. By upholding these principles, public bodies can enhance trust and ensure the well-being of those under their care.