SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Galesburg Terrace $9,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to maintain safe hot water temperatures in resident-accessible areas. The 98-bed skilled and intermediate care facility is located at 1145 Frank St. in Galesburg.

As part of an annual license inspection, Department surveyors tested hot water temperatures in four of the facility's wings and found temperatures in resident showers, baths and sinks to be above 140 degrees. There were no resident injuries reported in connection with the elevated hot water temperatures.

Facility administration indicated they were aware of the high water temperatures and had been working on the problem for "several days." Maintenance staff provided surveyors with a copy of the facility's hot water log, but the last recorded temperature was dated 14 days prior to the survey. When questioned, staff indicated they had been monitoring temperatures but did not record them.

A Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to implement protective measures to ensure resident-accessible showers, baths and handwashing facilities do not exceed 110 degrees and to keep a daily log of hot water temperatures tested at various locations within the facility.

Galesburg Terrace has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.