Province appoints committee to fix problems at Santa Maria

The Saskatchewan government is launching what it calls a "quality oversight" committee to oversee patient concerns at a troubled Regina seniors home.

On Thursday, Health Minister Dustin Duncan said the committee has been struck in response to disturbing reports about the Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.

The government has also appointed a consultant to make recommendations and to help the facility work through some of its problems.

The quality oversight committee will include health ministry officials, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region senior officials, members of the Catholic Health Ministry of Saskatchewan executive, and members of the Santa Maria executive and board.

Its job will be to examine how residents are being cared for at Santa Maria. If necessary, it will create action plans to put its recommendations into effect.

Late last week, Regina police received a complaint about a resident of the centre being assaulted and neglected. Family of the man obtained video of the alleged assault.

Workers at Santa Maria have been suspended over the allegations.

The incidentsledDuncan to sayhe would discuss options with the board of the home.