Media Release

For Immediate Release
Date: September 28, 2004
Contact: Robert Marshall PhD, 222-1017

Health Department Closes Admissions to Haven Health Center (Greenville); Routine Inspection Reveals Multiple, Serious Deficiencies

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) issued an immediate compliance order late yesterday closing admissions to Haven Health Center of Greenville, RI. The order followed the conclusion of a routine annual inspection revealing multiple deficiencies related to: provision of care, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, therapeutic diets, housekeeping and food service sanitation. The Department found that without intervention the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the facility would be in jeopardy.

"We are taking this step to assure that every resident gets the care he or she needs," said Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of the RI Department of Health. "There are no individual residents in immediate jeopardy at this time. However, we continue to monitor the situation closely and work directly with the management of the facility to implement the necessary changes to improve resident care. Also, HEALTH has teamed up with the Ombudsman and the Department of Human Services to support all the families through this process and keep them well informed."

HEALTH and the State Ombudsman (Alliance for Better Nursing Home Care) scheduled a meeting with families of residents at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 29, 2004, at the Haven Health Center (Greenville) to discuss conditions at the home and provide information about residents. (Family members only, please).

HEALTH representatives, along with the Ombudsman and other officials, will be available to the media immediately following the family meeting—at approximately 7:30 pm.