By Rob Tripp
Whig Standard
March 31, 2008
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=966842&auth=By+Rob+Tripp
A ROMAN CATHOLIC DEACON WHO WAS THE spiritual care co-ordinator of Providence Manor in Kingston has been charged with sexual assault, according to the facility's administrator.
Shelagh Nowlan said Patrick Ritchie is no longer an employee of Providence Manor, a long-term care home where 243 seniors live.
It's alleged that the abuse took place at the home. A deacon holds an ordained position in the church and performs pastoral duties.
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| RITCHIE |
According to a news release issued yesterday by Providence Manor, Ritchie was arrested and charged last week and appeared in court Friday. The home will not say if the alleged victim of abuse is a resident.
Kingston Police would not comment on the case, saying the investigation is ongoing.
Nowlan said an allegation of sexual abuse was brought to her.
We take allegations of abuse, regardless of the type of abuse, very seriously in our home, and as soon as I became aware, we launched our internal investigation, she said. The employee was immediately suspended from all duties and removed from the workplace pending the investigation.
We contacted the Kingston Police and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
She would not explain the circumstances under which Ritchie's employment ended. Nowlan said the police probe began in early March. She would not say when the allegations came to her attention and she would not clarify if she was the first person on staff to hear the allegations.
She said Ritchie was a full-time employee who had been at Providence Manor less than five years.
Spiritual care is part of the longterm care home's services available for people to ensure that people's spiritual needs of all faiths are met within our home, so it is a supportive role, Nowlan said.
His role involved working with residents throughout the home and so as with most supervisors there is also an office, however his work was done throughout the home.
She would not provide any further explanation of Ritchie's work at Providence Manor.
Nowlan said there has never been an criminal charge of abuse involving the home.
This is a very difficult time for everybody here, she said. We are sorry for the stress this is causing to our families and to our residents and to our staff.
She said the home has provided counselling to staff and residents.
The facility is a permanent home for frail seniors who require 24-hour care. I want to assure people that we have put supports in place for all the individuals involved and who are associated with Providence Manor and that this allegation in no way reflects on the excellent care that is provided in this home, she said.
Providence Manor is operated by Providence Care, a non-profit healthcare corporation that also operates St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital and the Mental Health Services site on King Street.
Contact: rtripp@thewhig.com
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