Nursing center reprimanded for neglect

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Health has ordered immediate changes at the Summit Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence -- years after its former owners were forced to shut down the previous operation at the facility.

RIDOH director Dr. David Gifford issued the immediate compliance order on Aug. 26. Health inspectors revealed documents showing continued failures to track and treat bedsores and reposition patients. Records show one patient who required the technique every two hours to prevent bedsores was often neglected:

The facility is now working with the state and released a statement to Eyewitness News, saying in part, "Right now our focus is on our patients. We have made significant changes at the facility and will continue to work with all staff to ensure every patient is receiving the best possible care."

Summit Commons has 90 patients.

Under the compliance order - Summit Commons must now hire an independent consultant, contract with a patients safety organization, make the results of the report available and contact all patients. Health officials say this case shows the importance of annual inspections.

The facility now has one week left to comply with the order.

In 2004, a nursing home in the same location was forced to close after a track record of deficient care and growing debt.