A team of New Brunswickers will help the seniors’ advocate review the province’s long-term care system.

Thirteen people have been appointed to an advisory council as part of the review’s consultation process.

Kelly Lamrock said he is confident their “diverse knowledge and backgrounds” will provide strong support for his team as they conduct this review.

“New Brunswickers deserve a reliable long-term care system that will ensure easy access to quality services, while respecting their dignity, their rights and their independence,” Lamrock said in a news release.

The 13 members of the advisory committee are:

• Chief George Ginnish from Natoaganeg (Eel Ground First Nation)
• Madeleine Dubé
• Norma Dubé
• Janet Durkee-Lloyd
• Brian Duplessis
• Haley Flaro
• Joan Kingston
• Chandra MacBean
• Ken McGeorge
• Misty McLaughlin
• Constantine Passaris
• Terry Seguin
• Sarah Wagner

In launching the review in February, Lamrock said long-term care is one of the areas his office hears the most from New Brunswickers.

The review will look at the needs of the long-term care system in the areas of governance, portability, human resources, quality and security, and quality of life for New Brunswickers.

Lamrock has said there is an urgency to this review given the current strain on our health-care system.

“We have too many folks who need a spot in long-term care, who should be aging at home or in a dedicated specialized community-based placement, and they’re in hospital beds,” he said.

“What we’re hearing with seniors in hospitals is it’s hard for staff who are run ragged to provide the kind of dedicated care that you would get in a special care and nursing home. It’s starting to take up beds, spaces and resources that are creating a worrisome urgent care system.”

Lamrock is also asking people with personal experience of the long-term care system to fill out an online questionnaire.

Stakeholders wishing to provide a formal submission to contribute to the long-term care review are encouraged to email LTCreview-examenSLD@gnb.ca.

“By extending the reach of the engagement process and collecting input from the new online tools, the advice from members of the advisory council should lead to great work and produce a clear sustainable plan for the government to adopt and improve the overall long-term care system,” said Lamrock.

The Office of the Advocate will receive $150,000 from the Department of Social Development to help with the review. Lamrock will provide a final report with recommendations by October.