Whatman welcomes new funding from Province
Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - Roderick Benns
Ken Whatman is looking for the “bottom line.” The administrator of Riverview Manor, a 124-bed long-term care home in Peterborough, says a new funding announcement by the Province should be welcomed but he doesn’t yet have enough details.

“We certainly look forward to hearing how this (announcement) will trickle down to Riverview. We want to see how this plays out,” he says.

Ken says the money – an annual $191 million a year – will be “welcomed with open arms.”

The money is for the hiring of 2,000 staff members, and to ensure compliance standards are met, including a new mandate that will see residents get a minimum of two baths per week. Residents in a long-term care home would also have full-time access to a registered nurse.

“We’re hoping it will really translate into more staffing, education and being able to be responsive to residents’ needs,” explains Ken.

Ken says the issue of mandated family councils doesn’t affect Riverview because the long-term care home already has an active council. “It’s not a major concern for us, but giving status to them as a group is important,” he adds.