HospitalInspections.org

Based on document reviews, medical record review and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to investigate an allegation of patient abuse. This was found in MR #1.

Findings include:

The facility failed to conduct a thorough investigation of an allegation of patient abuse. MR #1, a seventy-seven year old patient, was admitted to the facility on 10/25/10 and was diagnosed with Endocarditis and UTI/Sepsis. The patient was alert and oriented to time, place and person. Upon admission, the nursing assessment revealed the patient had dizziness/imbalance, unsteady gait, and weakness, and that she had an ambulatory aid."

A review of the medical record on March 28, 2011 revealed that a nurse had documented that the patient " fell" on 11/14/10.

Documented on the hospital ' s Speak-up Program form dated 11/16/10 at 10:00am, the patient told a member of the administrative staff that she " pressed light- guy came in I asked him to help me to BR I need a little assistance. He got mad " no you have to go " he pushed my walker when I fell I lost consciousness I was unconsciousness - he put something on my face. I opened my eyes - I found myself on the table on my side he was bending over me with this mask and yellow gown. I asked what you are doing to me .... ".

During the facility's investigation of the allegation of patient abuse, it was determined that the patient reported that she felt dizzy. The patient was assisted to the floor and did not fall. However, the facility's staff failed to conduct a thorough investigation as the interviewer did not investigate the allegation of patient abuse.
Interview with the administrative staff #1 and # 2 on 4/12/11 at approximately 2:45 PM confirmed the staff did not investigate the allegation of abuse.