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2 found dead in Thomasville nursing home. Police find 3 staff for 98 patients.

The Dispatch - 1/18/2022

Jan. 19—Two people were found dead Sunday at a Thomasville nursing home, where police said only three staff were attending to 98 patients.

Two others at the home were taken to a nearby hospital and are listed in critical condition, according to police.

Thomasville police said officers conducted a welfare check at Pine Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center after receiving calls that staff could not be reached by phone and had that residents at the facility had not seen staff for a prolonged period.

Upon arrival, officers found three employees, including one licensed practical nurse and two certified nursing assistants, serving 98 patients at the nursing home.

At that time, Thomasville officers contacted the Thomasville Fire Department and the Davidson County EMS for assistance.

While first responders were going door to door assessing the residents, two patients were found dead. Staff told police that families of the deceased had been notified earlier in the day.

The bodies were sent to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem for autopsies. Of those in peril, one was transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center and the second patient was transported to Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center.

Davidson County EMS, Davidson County Emergency Management and Thomasville Fire Department personnel remained at the facility until 7:30 a.m. Monday to ensure patients received care. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is currently at the facility overseeing operations.

The incident is still under investigation by Thomasville police. It wasn't immediately know Tuesday whether any criminal charges are pending.

"Obviously, the weather and road conditions contributed to the inadequate staffing issues with this facility," said Capt. Brad Saintsing. "First and foremost, we want to ensure each and every resident of the facility is getting the quality of care they deserve. With these types of facilities, there is a protocol, and we want to ensure it was followed as it relates to the weather and/or emergency situations."

Pine Ridge Health & Rehabilitation Center parent company is Principle LTC. According to their website, Principle currently operates 56 centers in North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky, offering services ranging from short-term transitional care to Alzheimer's and dementia care.

General news reporter Sharon Myers can be reached at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @LexDispatchSM.

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