SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Virgil Calvert Nursing and Rehabilitation Center $5,000 (Statement of Violation) for failure to keep the facility free from insect and rodent infestation. The 150-bed skilled care facility is located at 5050 Summit Ave. in East St. Louis.

As part of an annual survey and complaint investigation, Department surveyors found the facility failed to store, prepare and distribute foods under sanitary conditions.

Mouse droppings, urine and chew marks were seen on and in packages of food, food storage containers, cans and floors. Surveyors observed cockroaches behind boxes of food and could hear mice squeaking. While a surveyor was standing in the dry food storage area, a mouse ran across her foot.

In addition, mouse droppings were found in resident rooms on every wing of the building and flies were visible throughout the facility. A visitor said she saw gnats hovering around a resident, while another visitor stated she saw a mouse near a resident's face.

There were holes in the walls, around pipes and in corners of the dietary department, allowing rodents and bugs to enter the building. Exterior doors, including one near the dumpsters, were often propped open.

Following the initial inspection, facility staff told surveyors they had thoroughly cleaned the kitchen. However, the following day surveyors noted numerous droppings on the bottom shelf of a cart containing plates to be used for the breakfast service.

A pest control operator had made recommendations to Virgil Calvert staff prior to the survey about what steps were needed to eliminate the problem, but the facility failed to follow the recommendations.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to train staff on policies regarding maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for residents, keeping the environment free from rodents and proper food sanitation and preparation.

The facility also was ordered to hire a licensed pest control operator. The administrator was required to conduct daily inspections to ensure the operator's recommendations were implemented and the food was prepared and stored in a clean and sanitary environment.

Virgil Calvert Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been set.