The disturbing and serious incident at South Centennial Manor resulted in charges being laid against a long-term care worker. Michelle Biglow, 62, of Westwego was charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm. This charge stems in large part to the community’s response to the tragic death of 93-year-old resident Roger Sauvé. The Ontario Provincial Police acknowledged her participation in a statement issued Monday.
The unfortunate incident that culminated in Sauvé’s death on May 17, 2024, began with a nurse administering the wrong dosage of medication, which caused the “medical distress.” He was later moved to Anson General Hospital in Iroquois Falls where he died May 24, 2024. Hidden from view – until now – by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, reports after incidents like this tell a horrifying story. Another staff member noted a critical deficiency in safeguarding the resident from getting the wrong medications.
The investigation showed that Biglow was connected to two different medication errors in the same month. One registered staff member was passing medications to over 30 residents. Yet, they did not adhere to the facility’s prescribed medication administration protocols. This negligence directly impacted Sauvé’s health status.
“A registered staff member administered medications to several residents and did not follow the home’s medication administration policies,” – The report by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care.
In response, the Ministry inspected South Centennial from June 4 to 6, 2024, after the incident. Findings from this inspection were released in a report on June 12, 2024. This callous disregard for the rules regarding medication policies proved catastrophic for Sauvé. It introduced hazards to the other residents.
“Failure to ensure that registered staff members followed the home’s medication policies and that drugs administered to residents were prescribed for them, resulted in harm to a resident and put other residents in the home at risk of harm due to unsafe medication practices,” – The report by the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care.
In addition to the fine, the facility’s licensee was given directives to begin a comprehensive review of their medication administration protocols. They have to complete this audit three times a week for a minimum of one month. On August 26th, a follow-up report praised South Centennial for coming into compliance. Infrared inspections They passed the thermal imaging order listed in the previous inspection.
As our case illustrates, there are far-reaching implications for medication safety practice across all long-term care facilities that merit discussion. Further investigations are now in progress. They highlight the serious risk of failing to adhere to detailed medication administration protocols that ensure the health and safety of residents.
