Auditor General raises concerns over oversight, quality of care in long-term care facilities

Auditor General Denise Hanrahan has delivered a performance audit report to the Public Accounts Committee raising concerns about the delivery and oversight of long-term care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The audit found that Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, the Department of Health and Community Services and the Department of Seniors did not adequately ensure long-term care residents received quality care and services to meet their needs.

Hanrahan’s report identified concerns with oversight and performance monitoring, citing unclear responsibilities, limited performance measures and inconsistent monitoring.

The audit also found that operational standards were outdated and had not been comprehensively updated since 2005.

The report identified a lack of accountability across the system, including weaknesses in governance, oversight, monitoring and operational practices.

The audit is the second of two requested by the Public Accounts Committee under Section 22 of the Auditor General Act. The first audit, which examined personal care homes, was submitted to the committee on April 1, 2025.

The Public Accounts Committee said the delivery and quality of care provided to vulnerable residents is a priority and formed the basis for its request for the audits.

The committee said it will follow up on the findings and contact Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, along with the departments of Health and Community Services and Seniors, to request action plans for implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations.

Officials could also be invited to appear at a future public hearing on the issues identified in the report.

Hanrahan said she is particularly concerned about the overall delivery and oversight of the Long Term Care Program.

“I am concerned about the serious issues identified with the delivery and oversight of the Long Term Care Program,” Hanrahan said.

She said the findings point to a need for a comprehensive review and modernization of standards to reflect current practices, emerging risks and the needs of residents.

“Particularly worrisome is the lack of independent review of occurrences, which impact residents and their families,” Hanrahan said.

The Public Accounts Committee previously held a public hearing on the personal care home audit on May 20, 2025, with officials from Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and the Department of Health and Community Services appearing before the committee.