CHSLD Herron won't face criminal charges over COVID-19 deaths

The owners of CHSLD Herron,one of the province's hardest-hit long-term care homes during the first wave of the pandemic, won't face criminal charges.

In a statement Thursday,Quebec's Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions said it found there was insufficient evidence to lay charges againstKatasa Groupafter reviewing findings by policeand expert testimony from medical specialists.

"This decision in no way trivializes the tragic events that occurred at CHLSD Herron, nor does it mean any fault of civic or ethical nature could not have been committed," the statement said.

During the first wave, dozens of residents at the private CHSLDin Dorval, in Montreal's West Island,were found dead within a few weeks.

The local health authority, the West Island CIUSSS, took over management of the home on March 29, after its administration asked for help due to dire staff shortages.

Health-care workers sent to provide relief atHerron described ahorrific situation, with residents lacking food, water and basic care.

There were three employees caring for133 residents and the homewas filled with a "nauseating odour of urine and feces" and unwashed dishes, according to an earlier report.

The report found thatif management at the private seniors' home had understood its responsibilities and used the resources at its disposal, "it is reasonable to conclude that the Grim Reaper would not have been as devastating."

In all, between March 26 and April 16,at least 38 deathsat Herronwere confirmed by the coroner's office. During a particularly dark period from April 5 to 10, 23 people died.

Families left disappointed

Patrizia Di Biase's mother was a resident at Herron in the spring of 2020, and managed to survive. Di Biase said Thursday she isdisappointed by the prosecution's decision.

Her mother will get a portion of a $5.5-million settlement reached in May, but she said the "moneydoes not replace the suffering that everybody went through."

At a news conference, PremierFranois Legaultsaidwhat happened at Herron is "totally unacceptable" but that the decision regarding criminal charges was out of his control.

"We will continue to make changes to make sure that it never happens again," he said.

In February, public hearings into what transpired at the long-term care home were delayed until the DCPC made a decision about whether to lay criminal charges.

The hearings are now scheduled to take place in September.