June 23, 2000

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Oak Lawn Pavilion $10,000 (Statement of Violations) for failure to prevent abuse of a resident by a staff member. The 143-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 9525 S. Mayfield in Oak Lawn.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors learned the facility did not, as required by its policy, take immediate action to remove an employee from resident care after allegations were made by other staffers that she had abused residents.

A staff member observed the employee grab and berate an 81-year-old resident while trying to move her from the bed to a wheelchair. After informing the employee she was "too rough" with the resident, the staff member left to report the abuse. Less than 30 minutes later, the staff member returned to find the resident slouched in a wheelchair with blood coming from her nose and mouth. The resident was taken to the hospital for treatment of a fractured nose. The employee suspected of the abuse was not sent home until three hours after the incident occurred.

Surveyors learned the employee had a history of being physically and verbally abusive with other residents. She had been seen placing her hands over residents' mouths and shoving them into their rooms. Staff reported the abuse, but the facility administration failed to investigate the allegations.

Oak Lawn Pavilion has requested a hearing on the Department's action. A hearing date has not been scheduled.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments