June 7, 2000
TWO RESIDENTS WANDERING UNNOTICED FROM
PINECREST MANOR RESULTS IN STATE DISCIPLINE
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Pinecrest Manor $10,000 (Statement of Violations) for failure to take the necessary precautions to prevent residents from leaving the facility. The 149-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 414 S. Wesley Ave. in Mount Morris.
As part of an annual survey, Department investigators learned that two residents housed in the facility's Alzheimer's and Special Care Dementia Unit left the facility unnoticed. A motorist spotted them about a half mile away on a country road and alerted staff. One of the residents had fallen into a ditch alongside the road and required treatment for cuts to his hands, face and legs.
It is assumed the residents were able to leave the facility by following a staff member out the unit's front entrance. Once the unit's door is open, it remains ajar for 15 seconds and staff who exit are instructed to wait until the door closes to ensure no one else leaves. A staff member admitted to surveyors she had not waited for the door to close when leaving the day the residents turned up missing.
Pinecrest Manor has requested a hearing on the Department's action. A hearing date has not been scheduled.
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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 |