Report on Riverview Residential Centre Released
A review of operations at the Riverview Residential Centre was released by the Department of Community Services today, Dec. 18, 2009.
Riverview is an adult residential center for individuals with disabilities, in Riverton, Pictou Co. The Department of Community Services and the Riverview board of directors requested the review in September to assess operational, financial and governance models as the centre gets a $22-million renovation, funded by the Department of Community Services.
"The province has committed significant funding to rebuilding Riverview, and we felt it was a good time to conduct a full review," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Community Services. "Together we can identify and address any potential challenges."
The review team was led by Betty Mattson, chief executive officer of Kings Rehabilitation Centre, who has conducted organizational reviews across the country.
The report's recommendations focus on five main areas: physical environment, governance, programs and services, the Protection of Persons in Care Act and finance.
"The review team is confident the 93 recommendations outlined in our report will help guide the department and the board of directors to improve the operational and financial management of Riverview," said Ms. Mattson. "This will ultimately enhance the quality of life for residents."
The department committed to help the board address the recommendations. The renovation plans will solve many of the facility's problems identified in the report.
The $22-million renovation includes building three new community homes, scheduled to open this spring, followed by a complete renovation of the main building.
The report also examines a number of confirmed cases of abuse at Riverview, filed under the province's Protection of Persons in Care Act. The review team found that there is no systemic issue of abuse at Riverview and that each case was reported, and appropriate action was taken.
"Our primary goal is to ensure that the residents are receiving the best care possible'" said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "Implementing these recommendations, with the renovations already underway, will go a long way toward making Riverview a healthier organization."
Read the report: