Media Release

CONTACT: Wayne Farrington 401-222-2566
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: September 1, 2000

Department of Health Responds to Nurses’ Complaints
Inquiries Already Started and Monitoring Team On-site

Today, the RI Department of Health (HEALTH) announced that it is looking into complaints by hospital nurses, patients and their families about conditions at Rhode Island Hospital. An August 31, 2000 letter to Health Director Nolan from Linda McDonald, President of the RI Hospital United Nurses and Allied Professionals (UNAP), identified concerns about housekeeping, staffing and related patient care issues.

According to Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of HEALTH. "We’ve already begun our investigation. HEALTH officials met with UNAP representatives last week. As a result, we started an on-site survey on Tuesday (August 29) and plan to continue the investigation until completed."

As part of the survey, HEALTH will sample original records and other documents to verify conditions at the hospitals. HEALTH does not release additional information while an investigation is underway.