Full Breakdown
Concerns Rise Over Mice Infestation at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre
1/24/2026, 11:06:31 AM
Infestation Issues at the Care Facility
The Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, operated by Covenant Health, is facing serious concerns regarding a mice infestation that has persisted for several months. Despite efforts to address the issue, including hiring a new pest control company for regular inspections, evidence of mice and their droppings continues to be reported by residents and visitors. Scott Baerg, senior officer of continuing care operations at Covenant Health, emphasized that the safety and dignity of residents are the top priorities and that any pest issues are addressed promptly.
Background and Context
The Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre, located in downtown Edmonton, provides long-term, subacute, and hospice care for nearly 500 residents. The facility has been operating as a care home for several decades, transitioning from its previous role as the Edmonton General Hospital. Concerns about the mice infestation were initially raised by NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman last summer, but reports indicate that the problem has not been adequately resolved.
Resident Experiences and Concerns
Residents have expressed significant distress regarding the infestation. Ron Guetter, a spiritual care volunteer, noted that some residents, particularly those confined to their beds, have reported sightings of mice and have taken measures to protect themselves, such as tucking in bed sheets. Guetter described the situation as tragic, highlighting that individuals in the later stages of life should not have to endure such living conditions. He acknowledged the diligence of the staff but stressed that the current state of affairs is unacceptable.
Official Statements & Responses
Covenant Health has reiterated its commitment to resolving the infestation issue, with Baerg stating, “We take this concern seriously and are working hard to rectify the situation.” In contrast, Hoffman criticized the government's response, arguing that the measures taken thus far are insufficient and that the government should prioritize the health and safety of residents. She also called for improved whistleblower protections to empower staff in publicly funded organizations to report similar issues without fear of repercussions.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including Hoffman and Guetter, have voiced their concerns over the lack of effective action to address the infestation. Hoffman remarked, “Whatever is happening on the pest control side is not enough because it’s clear that there are mice living in the same rooms as patients.” Guetter added that the conditions faced by residents are not something the wider community would tolerate, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements.
What's Next
The NDP plans to introduce a private member’s bill in the legislature aimed at enhancing whistleblower protections for healthcare workers. This initiative seeks to empower staff to advocate for the well-being of residents and ensure that issues like the mice infestation are addressed more effectively in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just knowing that if his blanket falls on the floor in the middle of the night, there’s probably going to be mice crawling all over his blanket — it just makes my skin crawl,” — Sarah Hoffman, NDP Health Critic
- “It just seems quite tragic in many ways that people who are, as they say, often in the last stages of their life, need to live in those kinds of conditions – conditions that the rest of us here in Edmonton certainly wouldn’t tolerate.” — Ron Guetter, Spiritual Care Volunteer
- “We all know about it, and nothing seems to have changed.” — Ron Guetter, Spiritual Care Volunteer
