Legislation to improve service at the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC) is coming, according to Health Minister Jeanne Atherden.

Speaking in the House of Assembly this morning, the Minister said an initial draft review of the Office is expected before the end of the year

“While the review is being conducted, the positions held by the three most senior staff of the National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged have not been filled, rather staff from other Government Departments have been seconded to ensure the continuation and continuity of service operations as well as preserve future organisational flexibility,” Ms Atherden said.

“We need to ensure that the role, responsibilities and organisational structure of the Office clearly defined and understood — both the staff, the Bermudians who use the services provided by the Office and the public at large.”

Ms Atherden said that Katherina Gibbons from the Department of Child and Family Services has moved into the post of Coordinator for Seniors, Karen McCottry of the Orange Valley Centre has taken on the role of Coordinator for the Disabled and Keeona Belboda of the Opportunity Workshop has been seconded to the role of Acting Manager for the Office and Registrar of Senior Abuse.

She stated that she has concerns about NOSPC being responsible for licensing and inspecting care homes while also receiving complaints from those same homes, saying she has asked staff about how those roles could be separated.

“Going forward, we at the Ministry will also be focusing on improving the quality of care being provided at residential homes,” Ms Atherden said. “We have to be concerned about both the physical environment of facilities, but at the same time we need to ensure that the quality of care is of the highest standard.

“Our legislation speaks mostly to staffing levels, environmental conditions and the physical environment provided at homes, but the quality of care provisions are not sufficiently strong.”

She added that the Ministry is reviewing the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act and Regulations, and have implemented a process of the monthly reporting of complaints to having an ongoing complaints register.

“Further, in terms of visits and inspections, changes have been made to the Residential Care Facilities visiting process so they now occur three times per year, two scheduled and one unscheduled,” she said. “This process will assist with ensuring that all homes comply with the requirements and of the legislation.”