Staffing still at 'critical low' for Markham's Participation House, despite 'heartwarming' response to call for help

'Urgent example of why we need to be able to respond quickly to local health-care needs when supplies are critically low': Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Yorkregion.com
April 14, 2020
Heidi Riedner

The City of Markham has launched a central donation centre amid rising concerns of supply shortages for front-line workers, which was brought into sharp focus by the crisis at Participation House this past holiday weekend.

The Markham Cares Donation Centre will serve as a central receiving depot for personal and corporate donations of personal protective equipment and necessary COVID-19 related supplies, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced April 13.

"Participation House is an urgent example of why we need to be able to respond quickly to local health-care needs when supplies are critically low," Scarpitti said.

A mass exodus of staff members at the centre, which supports people with physical and developmental disabilities, left an already skeleton crew working double shifts decimated when COVID-19 cases were confirmed April 9.

Typically running with about 80 total staff members, the facility -- where residents with serious ailments such as cerebral palsy, who need help for almost every basic function, from getting out of bed to going to the washroom -- was down to 10 workers between management and remaining PSWs, according to executive director Shelley Brillinger.

At a news conference April 13, Brillinger told reporters 12 residents and six staff members had tested positive for the virus. A male resident among the group of 12 had also been hospitalized.

An emergency call for help from the mayor April 10 garnered "overwhelming response", including shipments of PPE pouring in from all over the community and country, Scarpitti said April 13.

Scarpitti thanked everyone who stepped up, from people giving a box of gloves they had at home to corporations such as MLSE, TELUS and Canadian Tire, labour union LiUNA, Markham Fire and Emergency Services and York Regional Police.

"We are grateful for all the support," he said, but added, "we cannot allow this situation to happen again."

This is the third time in a month Scarpitti had to make such appeals to the community for help with a residential institution, as the city struggles to cope with outbreaks at Markhaven Home for Seniors and Bethany Lodge assisted living facility.

"It is critical for health-care providers to have everything they need to battle COVID-19 while protecting themselves and caring for the most vulnerable in our community. The supply of PPE is the last thing our health-care workers need to worry about."

Scarpitti said he remains concerned and disturbed that Participation House has had to endure three days of a critical shortage of staff members.

"The skeleton staff is doing their best and continue to work hard to ensure that all residents are getting the food, medicine and care they need, but they remain physically and emotionally drained."

Scarpitti said he reached out to Premier Doug Ford and Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

"While I appreciate the help received thus far, I am hoping the staff shortage will be addressed immediately."

Staffing levels at the facility remain at "a critical low", Brillinger said.

While her email has been flooded with offers of help and former family doctor and MP Jane Philpott stepped up in full hospital scrubs on Easter Sunday, Brillinger said the issue of skilled staff "has not been solved yet".

"Getting from shift to shift is still precarious, at best," she said. The centre is currently in talks with Markham Stouffville Hospital regarding PSWs and nurses, as well as exploring agency referrals.

The facility is good for the next four to five days as a result of donations of PPE, Brillinger said.

"The response from the community has been heartwarming. They are really rising to answer the call."

Gowns, however, remain an issue.

People wanting to donate can drop off supplies using the drive-thru tent located at 8100 Warden Ave., immediately north of Hwy. 407.

The Markham Cares Donation Centre opens April 14. It will operate daily from 9 a.m. to noon, except Sundays.