Staffers at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, New York allege that the facility has exhibited negligence in its response to the coronavirus, according to news reports. Employees describe a shortage of personal protective equipment provided by the facility administration, with some “wearing garbage bags out of desperation.” One employee told Westchester’s News 12, “I’m afraid for my life, my coworkers are afraid for their lives, I’m afraid to bring this home to my family… I don’t know what to do.” Workers who spoke with News 12 did so on condition of anonymity, fearing that the facility would retaliate.
The April 17 report by News 12 goes on to state that the nursing home’s union sent it images of staffers using garbage bags as protective gowns, as well as an image of a notice posted by the administration that sad: “”There are no blue or yellow gowns at the moment, please don’t ask, the alternative PPE for now are hospital gowns combined with a garbage bag.” An administrator disputed the image’s veracity to News 12 and asserted that the facility had resolved its supply issues; workers said the nursing home was “covering up” the extent of the issues it was facing.
Public health data released in mid-April described 13 coronavirus-related deaths at St. Cabrini Nursing Home as of April 17. Records released on May 10 listed 195 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Westchester county, where the nursing home is located, and 220 presumed COVID-19 deaths.
According to the facility’s New York State Department of Health profile, St. Cabrini Nursing Home received 34 citations for violations of health and safety code between 2016 and 2020. On 2019 citation found that the facility failed to maintain its abuse and neglect policies when it did not ensure that an employee was screened to rule out a history of abuse and neglect. An October 2018 citation found that the facility did not keep residents free from abuse, describing an incident in which a resident grabbed two residents by their neck, causing redness, and pushing one of the residents against a wall. And an August 2017 citation found that the facility did not ensure the proper care and treatment of pressure ulcers, describing an incidence in which pressure-relieving heel boots were not consistently applied to a resident with pressure ulcers.
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.
