July 7, 1995
TWO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NURSING HOMES DISCIPLINED
SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has taken disciplinary action against two southern Illinois nursing homes:
Creal Springs Nursing Home was fined $10,000 for failure to ensure an effective program is in place to prevent and treat bed sores.
Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors found two residents with bed sores who were not being treated for the condition. In addition, other residents at high risk of pressure sores did not receive preventive or proper care.
Frankfort Heights Manor was fined $10,000 for not following the facility's written procedure in a medical emergency and for failing to notify a resident's physician of a change in condition.
As the result of a complaint investigation, Department surveyors learned that an 87-year-old resident was experiencing breathing difficulties and her skin was cool to the touch. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was begun, but discontinued after about 10 minutes when there was no blood pressure or pulse.
The resident's physician was not notified until about five hours after the woman had died.
The facility's policy states CPR is not to be stopped unless a physician orders it or an ambulance crew arrives and is ready to assume responsibility. An ambulance was not called. The policy also is to promptly notify a resident's physician when there is a significant change in blood pressure, pulse or respiration.
Both facilities have requested hearings on the Department's action. No hearing dates have been set.
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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 |