Observations
Based on an inspection of the physical plant, a review of incidents reports, extermination reports and interviews with staff and residents the facility failed to maintain the residential structure so as to be free from any danger to health and safety.
Findings:
An inspection of the physical plant was conducted on May 27, 2009 between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M., and extermination reports were reviewed on May 27, 2009. Incidents reports for the period February 2009 through May 2009, shift log reports for the period March 2009 through May 2009 and interviews with three staff and four residents on May 28, 2009 demonstrated that construction and renovations at the facility have presented a danger to staff, residents and visitors. Open ceilings and walls with exposed plumbing and wiring were observed in the admissions area, kitchen area, food storage area and the dining room. Renovations and construction have not been completed in the kitchen, dining room, admission and administrative areas. Plywood was taped to the floor in the Detoxification unit on the first floor. An incident report reviewed on May 28, 2009 verified that a child had tripped on plywood. An incident report of April 23, 2009 verified a resident attempted to catch a rodent, was bitten and taken to the emergency room. Shift log reports verified that on April 20, 2009 and April 27, 2009 a resident complained of insect bites. A log report on April 5, 2009 verified that rodents have been found in traps located at five different locations in the facility. Shift log entries during the period of March 2009 and May 2009 documented problems with entrance doors left ajar with rugs, shims and other items.
Ten commercial pest extermination services have been required during the period on February 1, 2009 through May 21, 2009. Both staff and residents interviewed on May 28, 2009 indicated the renovations and construction efforts have been a distraction to counseling, dietary and support activities.
|
Plan of Correction
Plywood utilized on carpeting of Detox area has been removed as of 6/25/09. It should be noted that there was an error in the cite indicating there was an incident report regarding a fall by a child. A New Destiny Staff person tripped on the plywood and the next day the plywood was repaired and there have been no further falls or injuries. Ceiling tiles missing in both programs will be replaced by July 1st by the Central Region Plant Manager. The Plant Manager will also delineate areas which are out-of-bounds to staff and/or clients both inside and outside the building by marking those areas with appropriate signs and construction tape. When an area is under demolition or construction, program activities and clients are directed into a safe area of the building.
Problems caused by workmen propping open doors, both interior and exterior to the building was addressed in the bi-weekly construction meeting and was addressed again in the June 25, 2009 meeting. Facility staff will continue to monitor proper closure of these doors during house runs and at various times throughout the 24-hour work day to ensure safety. They will continue to document findings and report to the Program Director. We are not experiencing any problems with this, there is no more propping of doors.
The rodent problem has abated with with advent of warmer weather as well as the installation of bait traps around the perimeter of the building. Due to the nature of the program only sticky traps could be utilized within the building. It should be noted that each program is visited separately by Ehrlich Pest Control, therefore, there were five visits to Fountain Springs and five visits to New Destiny and that three of each of the five visits was for routine pest control. In an attempt to be pro-active, both programs independently contacted Ehrlich for additional pest control services when mice were sited. At no time were residents required or expected to empty the sticky traps. One resident at Fountain Springs due to her desire to see no animal harmed did attempt to release a mouse from a sticky trap and was either bitten or scratched for her effort. After this incident the client was addressed by the Program Director. She was directed not to tamper with the traps and was educated on both health and safety issues related to such action.
It needs to be noted that we have had a maintenance contract with Ehrlich for pest control since the opening of Fountain Springs in 1991. Fountain Springs and New Destiny do not have a pest infestation and Ehrlich continues to service our facilities on a monthly basis.
In regard to insect bites, there were two reports of a bite reported by the same client and no additional complaints from any client or staff.
On 7/7/2009, notification was received of a projected completion date of 8/31/2009 for the renovation projects at Fountain Springs/New Destiny.
|