The Ministry of Long-Term Care has found 120 infractions at Sudbury's Extendicare Countryside since its opening, leading to a second halt in new resident admissions last week.
Over the past two years, the facility has undergone 18 inspections, resulting in 120 findings of non-compliance. The ministry stated that the cease admissions order, implemented on Aug. 7, was necessary to address systemic safety and care standards at the 256-bed long-term care home.
Inspection reports from May and June highlighted recurring issues in medication management, resident safety, and basic care. Specific infractions include failing to report an alleged criminal incident of improper care to the police, administering incorrect medications to two residents, and numerous instances of inadequate care documentation.
Previous inspections in March also noted delays in medical interventions, improper resident transfers, missed meals for residents requiring assistance, and unfulfilled toileting requests.
"All long-term care homes are expected to meet the strict care standards as set out in the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021," a ministry spokesperson said in a written statement. "Should a home fail to meet these standards, the Ministry of Long-Term Care will not hesitate to take action to protect the health and safety of residents."
The ministry indicated that the 120 findings of non-compliance have led to various enforcement actions, including written notifications, compliance orders, administrative monetary penalties, and director referrals.
"To address ongoing non-compliance and mitigate risk to residents, Ontario Health at Home ceased admissions to Extendicare Countryside on August 6," the statement read. "We will continue to closely monitor the home’s performance and compliance status and will take any further action necessary to ensure the well-being of residents."
Extendicare acknowledged the provincial order and stated that it has an action plan in place and is working with the ministry to address concerns. "We are grateful for the Ministry’s partnership and remain focused on delivering the highest quality of care to our residents," an Extendicare spokesperson said.
This is the second time in less than two years that Extendicare Countryside has been ordered to stop accepting new residents. The facility, which replaced the legacy Extendicare Falconbridge location, opened in May 2024. It previously faced a six-month cease-admissions order in December 2024 due to 41 infractions found during autumn inspections. That ban was lifted in June 2025 after the provider submitted a plan to improve leadership and clinical staffing.
Extendicare reported that internal leadership changes, including the appointment of a new executive director in May, an interim director of care, four assistant directors, and new department heads, are guiding the home's corrective efforts. Current residents are receiving uninterrupted care.
