Island Health said it is providing support to the people who were allegedly sexually assaulted by a health-care aide at Aberdeen Hospital, a Victoria residential care facility.
The health authority said it’s too early to say whether changes will be made to operating policies
“It has been very difficult for not only the individuals and their families, but also the staff at the facility,” said Norm Peters, Island Health’s executive director of residential services.
“They come to work every day to provide the best possible care and keep individuals safe.”
A 39-year-old Saanich man is charged with four counts of sexual assault and four counts of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability. The offences are alleged to have been committed between July 1 and July 15.
The accused has been suspended and has not had access to patients at the facility since the allegations were made, police said.
Victoria police investigators with the Special Victims Unit have interviewed three victims but suspect there could be more.
Staff at Aberdeen Hospital were made aware of the allegations thanks to “a very brave decision on the part of those individuals to come forward,” Peters said.
“As soon as we became aware of the issue, we immediately reported to the police and took appropriate action with respect to the employee.”
Island Health was unable to share details of the allegations while the police investigation was ongoing.
“As soon as we were able to, we immediately started connecting with families to provide information, give them reassurance around what steps Island Health was taking to protect their loved ones,” Peters said.
Island Health will wait for the conclusion of court proceedings before launching a formal review, he said.
“Our priority at this time is to support those individuals, their families and the staff,” Peters said.
“We’ll take our direction from the outcome of the police investigation and talking to the staff before we determine the next appropriate steps. We will certainly be asking questions around what could we do better in the future.”
All staff who work with vulnerable people are required to provide a criminal record check and references for previous employers are checked, he said.
Amado Ceniza is set to appear in court Aug. 1.
According to Island Health, Aberdeen Hospital is an extended care facility, providing care to more than 100 elderly residents and 25 young adults with complex neurological challenges.
Peters said sexual assaults in residential care facilities are rare, a message reiterated by B.C. seniors advocate Isobel Mackenzie.
Last year, her office was made aware of 139 assaults, 13 of which were sexual assaults, in residential care facilities across the province.
Victoria police ask anyone who witnessed inappropriate behaviour to call their detective tip line at 250-995-7444.
