Risk report not sent to Camrose agency, probe finds
CBC News
Posted: Jul 12, 2011 5:56 PM MT
Last Updated: Jul 12, 2011 5:56 PM MT
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A work order has been issued against an Alberta government agency for failing to forward information about the danger posed by a developmentally challenged man who was later accused of killing his support worker.
Terrence Saddleback, 26, was found mentally unfit to stand trial for manslaughter in the Feb. 12, 2011, strangulation of Valerie Wolski, 41, a worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Camrose, Alta.
The order from Alberta Occupational Health and Safety has been posted in the Red Deer office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities or PDD since June 14.
Mental health worker Valerie Wolski was found dead inside a Camrose home Feb. 13. Courtesy Craig WolskiIt states that PDD failed to pass on a 2009 risk assessment that was done after Saddleback attacked a female worker who worked for the Wetaskiwin and District Association for Community Services [WDACS].
"The failure of PDD to provide CMHA with a copy of the Risk Assessment prevented CMHA from realizing the hazard posed by the new client," the OHS report states.
"In addition, there are no files, records, correspondence or statements from workers to indicate that PDD made an effort to coordinate a meeting between CMHA and WDACS to discuss client conduct and strategies to mitigate the hazard to CMHA caregivers."
The 2009 risk assessment, obtained last month by CBC News, warned that Saddleback could be so aggressive that he posed a threat to anyone who cared for him.
"The consequences could be extensive and irreversible — including death or permanent disability to the staff or support workers involved," the report said.
Terrence Saddleback is helped out of an armoured van at the Camrose, Alta., courthouse on March 2, 2011. CBCStephen Golub, who speaks for the Red Deer office of PDD, would not comment on the specifics of the OHS report. He confirms that the agency has been ordered to take a closer look at how they manage their seven high risk clients.
"We have taken steps to reassess and review individuals who may have aggressive behaviors and to confirm that support plans are in place and that staffing levels are appropriate," he said.
Golub refused to say if his agency had to make any changes to ensure staff are protected while caring for these individuals.
The executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Agency refused comment on the OHS report Tuesday as did representatives for the relevant government ministries.
They are waiting until OHS releases the final report into Wolski's death. That may not happen for months.
Saddleback was found mentally unfit to stand trial in March and will remain indefinitely at Alberta Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Edmonton
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