PINES ADMINISTRATOR LANDRY QUITS DAY BEFORE COVID OUTBREAK ENDS
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — The sudden “resignation” last week of the Pines administrator “comes as a bit of a shock” to those who were “very pleased with the job Kim Landry has done.”
Landry resigned effective Tuesday, Feb. 2, the same day as the health unit lifted its latest outbreak at the LTC facility.
She is being replaced for the next “several months” by Norm Barrette, the District of Muskoka’s health services department, which operates the home to 160 people in Bracebridge.
“It has come as a bit of a shock and we hope that she is alright,” writes a reader.
Landry has been the administrator for 18 months, since early Aug. 2019 and a district staff memo gave no reason for her resignation.
Barrette assumed his role just over two years ago.
There has been announcement from the district or mention about the resignation on its website.
In an internal staff email, Feb. 3, the day after the “resignation” — with the subject line ‘Staff Change at The Pines and End of Outbreak — and written on behalf of Barrette, it reads: “I am sharing with you an important update about changes at The Pines Long-Term Care Home.
“Our Administrator, Kim Landry has provided notice of her resignation effective February 2, 2021. I would like to thank Kim for her many valuable contributions while at The Pines and I wish her the absolute best in her future endeavours.
“The recruitment for Kim’s successor is getting started and finding our new Administrator in the shortest amount of time is my top priority. I expect that this process may take several months. For the interim, I will be assuming the responsibility of the Administrator for The Pines as of today.
“Until our new Administrator is recruited, supporting The Pines, our residents, families, and staff will be my primary focus.”
Barrette goes on to say: “Some of you may not know much about me, I would like to share some background. As the Commissioner, Health Services, I lead the Health Services department which includes Long-Term Care, Paramedic Services and Emergency Planning, Health Strategies and Initiatives, and Children and Seniors Services.
“Again, until our new Administrator is recruited, supporting The Pines, our residents, families, and staff will be my primary focus.
“On behalf of the Team, we are delighted to let you know that the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has cleared our outbreak status at noon today. I am in regular communication with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit as we learn more about the COVID-19 variant that is being identified in Ontario as well as the planning for the second round for residents, essential caregivers and staff requiring a second dose.
“I will keep you posted on these important developments as I received new information. For any matters or questions that you would have previously reached out to Kim on, please feel free to connect with me. I am excited to help out at The Pines Long-Term Care Home. Take care and stay safe.”
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