Waqatasg Elders Care Facility Update
Listuguj’s Elders Care Facility, Waqatasg – meaning “Northern Light” has been in the works dating back to 2001. In 2023, the vision of Waqatasg officially became a reality, and the building’s construction was completed.
Back in November, it was announced that Rheal Raymond had taken on the role of Administrator of Waqatasg. He is working hard to ensure the facility is staffed with top-of-the-line, experienced workers who will go above and beyond for Listuguj’s Elders. Raymond said there are two goals when it comes to the facility: “The main goal of Waqatasg is to bring back clients who are already placed in different facilities, to the community. The second goal is that once we’re fully operational, we shouldn’t have to transfer residents outside of the community.”
At this time, the facility has three doctors secured, Dre. Luce Picard, Dre.Marjolaine Leblanc-Roberge and Dre. Catherine Benoit. These doctors will regularly visit on a rotating basis and tend to residents. They will always be accessible via phone and email, and after each visit, will make recommendations to the nurses and staff on how to continue providing the utmost care to the residents.
Jarvis White has taken on the role of Environmental Services Supervisor. He will be supervising the custodians, watchmen, and laundry workers in the building. He is responsible for anything mechanical in the building, ventilation, HVAC, water, etc.
Tasha Doiron, who is currently working with the Listuguj Community Health Services at the Health Centre, has been working half days as an assistant to the Administrator.
As of right now, the kitchen has two employees. The Head Cook and Supervisor of the Kitchen is Catlin Irvine, and the Chef is Ryan Morrison. They are currently working on menu options, which will include traditional meals. All food will be made and prepared in-house daily.
When it comes to staffing, the facility is facing challenges in finding nurses. The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government Human Resources department is working hard to find candidates for nursing positions because Waqatasg cannot open its doors until nurses are in place. Waqatasg Elders Care Facility is currently looking for Long-Term Care Registered Nurses – two full-time and four part-time positions.
For nursing job postings, and other jobs available at Waqatasg Elders Care Facility, visit listuguj.ca/jobs.
By Ann Marie Jacques
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