The Government of New Brunswick announced Wednesday it revoked the operating licences of two special care homes in northeastern New Brunswick.
According to a news release from the Department of Social Development, the 29 residents of Villa Neguac and Foyer St. Bernard will move to other homes in the area.
Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard said in the statement the decision to close any long-term care home is not taken lightly, calling it a last resort.
“When we cannot get the assurance of total compliance with provincial standards, we have no choice but to take action to protect the well-being of residents,” she said.
While the department did not elaborate on what specifically resulted in the closures, it said there is a regulatory and inspection framework in place for all long-term care facilities.
Social Development said it will closely monitor the situation at the existing facilities in Neguac until the transfer of the residents to other facilities is complete.
“Adult residential facilities play an important role in providing services to New Brunswickers,” said Shephard.
“We certainly recognize that staff at each facility in Neguac remained dedicated to residents despite challenges related to the operation of the facilities. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.”
The province says New Brunswick has 455 adult residential facilities that provide care and services to about 7,000 residents.