April 22, 1997

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Grandview Manor Nursing Home of Camp Point $10,000 for failure to provide adequate emergency assistance for a 78-year-old resident who died while choking. The 118-bed skilled care facility is located at 205 E. Spring St.

Responding to a complaint, Department surveyors learned the woman, who received nourishment through a feeding tube, was found by a staff member during an early morning bed check having trouble breathing and then choking. Other staff were called for assistance and they attempted to clear her throat and the feeding tube pump was turned off. Staff, however, did not use a suction machine to try and clear the woman's throat as suggested by facility policy. The resident was pronounced dead 35 minutes after she was discovered choking.

Three weeks earlier, the resident's feeding tube had become plugged and had to be replaced after attempts to flush it were unsuccessful. A short time after the feeding tube was replaced the woman was transported to a hospital emergency department when the tube became dislodged. As a result of the problems with the feeding tube, it was recommended that staff closely monitor the tube for clogging and overall operation.

As part of a mandatory plan of correction, the Department ordered the facility to have adequate and properly supervised nursing care, including at least one person on duty at all times who has been properly trained to handle medical emergencies. The facility also must ensure staff follow written policies and procedures when medical emergencies occur, and that medical records properly note observations of changes in a resident's condition.

The facility has requested a hearing on the Department's disciplinary action. No hearing date has been scheduled.

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