Ecumen North Branch

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Ecumen North Branch, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jul 24, 2025

  Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to store food preparation items in a sanitary manner. This had the potential to affect all residents who resided in the facility. Findings include:During observation and interview on 7/22/25 at 11:15 a.m., a tour of the kitchen was completed with the director of culinary services. During the tour, was a stack of 9 large steam table pans on a storage rack to be used for food preparation. The director of culinary services stated those pans were clean and ready to use for food preparation. Upon examining the stack of steam table pans, 5 of 9 steam table pans were stored with visible moisture on the pans. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF880Jul 24, 2025

  Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure damp laundry was not left in overnight in the washing machines used for resident clothing. This deficient infection prevention practice had the potential to impact all 44 residents who resided at the facility. Findings include: During an observation and interview on 07/22/25 at 11:08 a.m., laundry staff (LS-A) stated bed linen and other laundry was sent out to a service, the facility staff only washed resident clothing and mop heads and cleaning cloths at the facility. LSA stated part of the laundry duties included starting a load of mop hands and cleaning rags in the washing machine before leaving for the day. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF880Aug 9, 2024

  Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for testing and cohorting during a COVID-19 outbreak for 4 of 5 residents (R7, R31, R36, R39). In addition, the facility failed to ensure staff followed posted transmission-based precaution signs for 2 of 5 residents (R7, R9) reviewed for infection control. These practices had the potential to affect all residents, employees, and visitors of the facility. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF725Feb 12, 2021

  Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure sufficient staff was available in order to meet the needs of the residents. Findings include: See F677: The facility failed to ensure facial hair was removed and oral cares were completed for 4 of 4 residents (R10, R17, R194, and R26) who required assistance with hygiene, and were reviewed for activities of daily living. In addition, the facility failed to ensure bathing was completed for 1 of 2 residents (R26) reviewed with bathing concerns. See F688: The facility failed to ensure functional maintenance programs were implemented as directed by the care plan for 5 of 5 residents (R194, R2, R15, R26, and R24). On 2/8/21, at approximately 3:00 p.m. R39 was interviewed. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Sep 27, 2023

  Based on observation, interview and document review the facility failed to ensure shared glucometers were sanitized after use for 2 of 8 residents (R6, R79) reviewed for glucometer use; failed to ensure staff completed hand hygiene during medication pass for 2 of 6 residents (R4,R21) observed during medication pass; failed to perform hand hygeine during wound care for 1 of 1 (R15) residents observed for wound care; and failed to display appropirate signage for 1 of 1 resident (R15) who was on contact precautions. Findings include: BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING: R79's undated, Admission Record identified R79 had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugars). […]