State of Oklahoma

HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2013

 

Rep. Richard Morrissette, District 92
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.
State Capitol –Room 543
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Contact: Jacklyn Brink-Rosen

(405) 557-7404

Veteran at Norman Care Center Says this Morning that Residents Are Now in Peril

Today, March 20, 2013, Veteran’s Appreciation Day at the State Capitol

(Oklahoma City, OK) “This morning an email from a resident of the Norman veteran’s care center was sent to Senator Simpson and myself regarding an issue brought to my attention yesterday. We have been in touch with a particular resident who claims that due to staffing cuts, residents are in peril. Baths and medication have not been provided in a timely manner, per the resident. I find this painfully ironic on the day we are set to recognize the sacrifice of our beloved vets, said state Rep. Richard Morrissette. District 92.

I spoke with the resident this morning and he has given his permission for the following message to be released to the public:

“IN RESPONSE TO MCREYNOLD’S SCHEME TO HAVE VET HOMES CONVERT TO 10-12 HOUR DAYS, 19 AIDES HAVE QUIT AT THE NORMAN VETERANS CENTER SINCE MARCH 1, 2013. A TOTAL OF 27 EMPLOYEES HAVE QUIT SINCE 3/1.

Last Friday employees’ off-property smoke breaks were taken away.  There was a similar response at Talihina over longer shifts, staffing shortages were so bad here last Friday and Monday that baths were cancelled on many wings. Some veterans went 4 and 5 days without a bath. Last Thursday on the 3-11p shift, one floor had just one aide per side.”

Questions should be referred to Morrissette’s Capitol office at (405) 557-7404

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