September 12, 1997
MATTOON NURSING HOME FINED
FOR RESIDENT DEATH
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home has been fined $10,000 by the Illinois Department of Public Health for installing unsafe side rails, which resulted in the death of a 77- year-old resident. The 162-bed skilled care facility is located at 201 Lafayette Ave. E. in Mattoon.
During an investigation of the death, Department surveyors determined the facility installed new side rails on 17 beds, but failed to take into account the replacement equipment created a gap between the siderail and bed.
Staff found the resident who died lying on the floor with her head caught between the side rail and the bed. On several previous occasions, staff said the woman had slipped between the side rail and the bed, but they were able to free her and she was uninjured. The incidents, however, were not reported to supervisors and no steps were taken to correct the problem.
As part of a mandatory plan of correction, the Department ordered the facility to review its policies on the use, safety and replacement of bed side rails. The facility also must provide employees proper training to ensure resident safety.
Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home has requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has 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 |