Four inspectors performed a rigorous, unannounced survey at the 138-bed facility between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30 and found only two deficiencies – a dramatic improvement over the facility’s 2010 state Department of Health survey, which found eight deficiencies.
“This is the best annual survey that Pinecrest has ever had,” said David Wolfe, NHA, the administrator at Pinecrest Manor. “I’m proud of the employees here at Pinecrest Manor. After the 2010 survey, several different teams were created to look at ways in which we could improve. A lot of hard work and dedication was put into improving our quality of care – and it shows.”
“The results of the most recent survey at Pinecrest Manor are a testament to the commitment our employees show when it comes to providing high quality care for our patients and residents,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the president and CEO of Elk Regional Health System.
Surveyors for the state Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities visit all of the nursing homes in Pennsylvania to review their compliance with state and federal regulations. During an inspection such as the one that recently took place at Pinecrest Manor, inspectors ask about and observe every aspect of resident care, ranging from food temperature to fire and building safety. Inspectors also conduct one-on-one interviews with residents regarding the care that is provided to them.
Inspectors found only two deficiencies at Pinecrest Manor.
In one deficiency, the device that regulates water temperatures for the facility was found to be faulty, allowing water temperatures to fall outside the range deemed appropriate by the Department of Health. In the other deficiency, wound care protocols were not followed according to policy during two observed dressing changes.
Plans of correction for these deficiencies have already been submitted to and approved by the Department of Health, Mr. Wolfe said. Implementation of the corrections is already under way.
When inspectors find a deficiency, they rate it on a scale from “no harm” to “serious harm.” A “serious harm” deficiency may result in a facility being fined or a provisional licensure. Neither of the deficiencies found at Pinecrest Manor during the September inspection caused any harm to residents.
Pinecrest Manor is a 138-bed long-term care facility located on the campus of Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys. The facility includes a special wing dedicated to caring for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. A division of the Health Center, Pinecrest Manor is connected directly to a new renal dialysis facility and Elk Regional’s Outpatient Rehabilitation facility by enclosed, heated tunnels for the safety and convenience of the residents.
Elk Regional Health System includes a fully-accredited, not-for-profit, 80-bed general acute care institution, an extended care facility, an independent living facility, a home health agency and an employed physician group that serves Elk and Cameron counties. The organization is backed by the strength of a clinical affiliation with UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa. With campuses in St. Marys and Ridgway and physician offices in a number of locations throughout the region, Elk Regional proudly serves the residents of Elk and Cameron counties. It is Elk Regional’s ongoing mission to provide premier healthcare services to our patients through our commitments to service, quality, people, finance and growth, while maintaining economic viability and keeping an eye on the future. For more information, visit us online.
