EVERGREEN PARK FACILITY DISCIPLINED AFTER RESIDENT’S DEATH

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Evergreen Health Care Center has been fined $10,000 (Statement of Violation) by the Illinois Department of Public Health for failure to ensure a resident received necessary care and services. The 242-bed skilled care facility is located at 10124 S. Kedzie Ave. in Evergreen Park.

Responding to complaints, Department surveyors learned staff did not thoroughly assess a resident’s medical condition after discovering the resident had a 104.7 degree temperature and elevated pulse rate. Staff did provide a pain reliever and checked his temperature about every four hours, but there was no indication the resident’s pulse or blood pressure was monitored. In addition, staff did not notify the resident’s physician about his change in condition.

About 12 hours after first noting his unusually high temperature, staff found the resident unresponsive with a temperature of 107 degrees. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and the resident was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Evergreen Health Care Center has requested a hearing on the Department’s action. No hearing date has been scheduled.