November 9, 2000

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Lemont Center $10,000 (Statement of Violation) for failing to notify a resident's physician of a serious eye infection. The 150-bed skilled care facility is located at 12450 Walker Road in Lemont.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors learned a nurse noticed a resident's left eye was red and there was a white membrane in the center, but the resident's physician was not contacted about the condition. The resident's family was called and an appointment with an eye doctor was scheduled for two days later.

At the appointment, the doctor began treating what was described as a "rapidly spreading infection" and the resident was immediately sent to a hospital for continued treatment. The eye required surgery and the resident, who previously had no vision in her right eye, lost all sight in the left eye.

A Department ordered plan of correction requires that facility staff record significant changes in a resident's condition and immediately notify the person's physician so a plan of care and treatment may be obtained.

Lemont Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. A hearing date has not been scheduled.