Harris Hill Nursing Facility experienced 26 deaths from Covid-19 as of May 31, 2020, per state records. The nursing home also received 19 citations for violations of public health code between 2016 and 2020, according to health records accessed on June 1, 2020. The Williamsville nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of four surveys by state inspectors. The violations they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not provide adequate bedsore / pressure ulcer treatment. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to provide residents with treatment to promote the healing and prevent the infection of existing ulcers, and to provide care necessary to prevent the development of new ulcers. An October 2018 citation found that Harris Hill Nursing Facility did not ensure such was provided for one resident. The citation states specifically that the resident was assessed to be “at risk” of developing pressure ulcers, and also had a Stage 2 Pressure ulcer when they were admitted. It goes on to state that a nurse was not timely notified by a Certified Nursing Assistant of new skin breakdown. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of the CNA.
2. The nursing home did not ensure food safety standards were followed. Section 483.35 of the Federal Code states that nursing homes must store, distribute, prepare, and serve food under sanitary conditions. A May 2016 citation found that Harris Hill Nursing Facility did not ensure such. The citation states specifically that an inspector observed “soiled food and non-food contact surfaces” in a kitchen area, as well as “pots and pans that were not air dried after being sanitized, and dirty floors.” Other areas were observed with cups and bowls that were not air dried after being sanitized, and an “unsanitary procedure used for opening a beverage container.” The citation states that these deficiencies had the “potential to cause more than minimal harm.”
3. The nursing home did not provide an adequate quality of care. Section 483.25 of the Federal Code stipulates that nursing homes must ensure residents “treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of practice, the comprehensive person-centered care plan, and the residents’ choices.” An October 2018 citation found that Harris Hill Nursing Facility did not ensure such for two residents. The citation states specifically that the two residents were reviewed for wound care and “had issues.” One had “chronic peripheral vascular wounds,” and a treatment nurse did not change their gloves between treating the resident’s wounds, and further did not perform one of the wound treatments per the physician’s orders. As for the other resident, the citation states that a nurse did not cleanse the resident’s vascular ulcer on their left lateral bunion in accordance with the wound treatment orders. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of the nurses in question.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC work diligently to protect the rights of nursing home residents. Please contact us to discuss in the event you have a potential case involving neglect or abuse.