Residents at Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew and Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke could soon be allowed to smoke on the property of the long-term care homes.
A report presented to the health committee on Wednesday (February 15th, 2023) indicates residents, staff and the public were banned from smoking on the two properties on March 1st of 2010.
Director of long-term care Mike Blackmore told health committee members that over the years residents with varying degrees of mobility impairments have endured hazards associated with all weather conditions and vehicular traffic in order to leave the property to smoke.
Blackmore says some residents have fallen and sustained injury, but adds no resident has fallen unattended for a duration detrimental to their health.
The recommended changes would see residents allowed to smoke on the property, no closer than nine meters from the entrance to each home.
Staff and members of the public or those visiting would still not be allowed to smoke on the property of County of Renfrew long-term care homes.
The health committee is recommending that County Council revise the long-term care homes smoking policy.
The policy would be reviewed in six months and again after one year.
The County of Renfrew operates and oversees operations at Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke and Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)