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Two residents at separate central Pa. nursing homes die from traumatic neck injuries

Patriot-News - 12/28/2019

Two residents died at separate Lancaster County nursing homes in 2019 as a result of workers not complying with patient transfer policies, according to a media report.

The coroner determined both residents suffered from traumatic neck injuries after falling while being transferred by one worker instead of the required two, Lancaster Online reported.

In its report, the Pennsylvania Department of Health did not name the residents or employees. The incidents happened on Aug. 1 at Lancashire Hall and Sept. 8 at Mennonite Home Communities.

The reports detail what happened.

During the Lancashire Hall incident, Lancaster Online reported that the "nurse aid transferring the resident committed another violation by not notifying a nurse of the incident. The report says the nurse aid instead claimed the resident was found in bed bleeding from the forehead.”

Since that incident, the department of health noted in its report that “numerous meetings to re-educate staff held as part of the plan of correction, along with reviews extending one month before and six months after the incident,” Lancaster Online reported.

The other incident occurred at Mennonite Home, which released the following statement to LNP: “an unfortunate and isolated incident due to the conduct of an employee who was terminated following a thorough investigation.”

"The entire Mennonite Home team is deeply saddened by this event, and we have expressed our sincere remorse to the resident’s family,” the statement said. “Mennonite Home Communities has a long and cherished history of providing outstanding care and we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our residents and team members.”

A follow-up survey the department conducted Dec. 19 "validated that Mennonite Home successfully implemented the approved plan of correction,” which included education and audits, according to the statement.

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