Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: March 18, 2005
CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D., 222-1017

Health Advisory

Health Department Strikes Agreement with Harris Manor at Chopmist Hill; To Close Admissions and Implement Immediate Health Care Improvements

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Harris Manor at Chopmist Hill nursing home of Scituate, RI entered into a legal agreement late yesterday, temporarily closing admissions and implementing other steps to improve resident care. The agreement resulted from a routine annual inspection finding problems with the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. The annual inspection has yet to be concluded, but HEALTH and the facility agreed that immediate actions were necessary and appropriate to assure the continuing welfare of residents pending completion of the inspection.

"We are taking this step now to assure that every resident gets the care he or she needs," said David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Acting Director of the RI Department of Health. "In addition to closing admissions and consulting with the State Ombudsman about any re-admissions, the nursing home also agreed to correct key problems immediately and to engage a consultant who specializes in the prevention and care of pressure ulcers. We will continue the annual inspection and work directly with the management of the facility to make sure the necessary changes are completed." Dr Gifford added, "We commend our inspection and regulatory staff for identifying these problems and taking quick and effective action to protect the well-being of these vulnerable people."

HEALTH teamed up with other state agencies to respond patient care concerns. The Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospital (MHRH) will provide training to improve resident care. The State Ombudsman (Alliance for Better Nursing Home Care) and the RI Department of Human Services will help support all the families through this process and keep them well-informed. Harris Manor will implement a new, model family notification program and will meet with family members to discuss conditions at the home and provide information about residents care. The owner has been cooperating fully to make improvements in resident care indicates a willingness to make every reasonable effort to comply with regulatory standards.

###