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Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center has received 29 citations for violations of public health code between 2018 and 2022, according to New York State Department of Health records accessed on April 1, 2022. The Manhattan nursing home’s citations resulted from a total of six surveys by state inspectors. The deficiencies they describe include the following:
1. The nursing home did not properly prevent and control infection. Section 483.80 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to create and uphold a program designed to help prevent the development and transmission of diseases and infections. A March 2021 citation found that Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically describes an instance in which a massage therapist performed services in the room of a resident on contact and droplet precautions, but without wearing personal protective equipment, as required by state guidance and facility policy. In an interview, the facility’s administrator said that the staffer “should have been wearing mask, gown, gloves, and face shield since they were touching the resident.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of the massage therapist on the use and disposal of PPE.
2. The nursing home did not follow food safety standards. Section 483.60 of the Federal Code requires nursing homes to store, prepare, and serve food in accordance with professional standards. A January 2020 citation found that Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically states that the facility did not ensure the maintenance of all kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary manner. It goes on to describe an interview in which a kitchen staffer said they had cleaned the meat slicer, although the meat slicer in question was observed with “grime and debris… on both the knob to turn the meat slicer on and off and the switch for manual or automatic slicing.” A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the education of kitchen staff on the proper cleaning and sanitizing of the meat slicer.
3. The nursing home did not adequately dispose of garbage. Under Section 483.60 of the Federal Code, nursing homes must “dispose of garbage and refuse properly.” A January 2020 citation found that Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center failed to ensure such. The citation specifically explains that two garbage compactors at the facility “were observed with open lids during several observations.” In an interview, a food service worker said that he had attempted to close and lock the compactor door, “but it was jammed,” so he closed but did not secure it. A plan of correction undertaken by the facility included the re-education of the staffer in question on how to dispose of garbage and close the compactor door.
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.
