A whistleblower, who raised concerns over how seniors are treated at a Saskatoon care home, has been fired.
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Three weeks later, Bowden was suspended with pay from his position, pending an investigation, because a number of allegations were made against him before and after his speaking out.
In a report released Tuesday, the province’s information and privacy commissioner ruled that Oliver Lodge and the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) did not have authority under privacy laws to disclose details of allegations against a care home worker to the Ministry of Health.
Bowden allegedly violated seven of the health region’s policies, according to a statement from health region CEO Dan Florizone.
Bowden claims that allegations of workplace misconduct started popping up against him only after he blew the whistle about under staffing at Oliver Lodge care home, where he worked.
However, Bowden said he feels he was fired for speaking out.
When asked about Bowden’s case Monday, Wall remained confident there was no wrongdoing by the government or health region.
“There was sufficient proof and this investigation had significant cause to justify termination with cause”.
“I just want to be clear to health care workers”.
Because of his public assurance, Wall’s office was also interested in learning more about Bowden being suspended.
Some details of the allegations prompting Bowden’s suspension were voluntarily sent to reporters by a member of Wall’s staff in April.
Wall said at the time he believed the information sent to reporters was for background purposes, but admitted it was a “lapse in judgment” by chief of operations and communications Kathy Young, who was taken off the Bowden matter.
Oliver Lodge, the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority and the Ministry of Health develop polices and procedures to determine when it is appropriate to request and disclose personal information.
“The sad part about it is nothing has changed (at Oliver Lodge)”, Bowden said.
But a report from the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner, to be released Tuesday morning, could shed some light on a controversial piece of the puzzle.
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Bowden said all but one of the written complaints were submitted after he went to the Legislature to speak out.
