Wrangell Medical Center LTC

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Wrangell Medical Center LTC, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Oct 25, 2024

  Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure that food was stored, prepared, and served in accordance with professional standards for food safety. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure food was stored under proper sanitation and food handling practices. This failed practice had the potential of causing or spreading foodborne illness to all residents, based on a census of 16. Findings: Initial Kitchen Tour Pantry Storage: An observation on 10/21/24 at 4:34 PM, of the pantry storage of the kitchen, revealed the following expired items: - 1 opened Sysco Classic Chocolate Instant Pudding and Pie Filling Mix, 24-ounce bag, 1/4 full. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF908Oct 25, 2024

  Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to maintain the central kitchen's Hot Food Holding Cabinet (a unit that holds cooked food at a safe temperature prior to serving) in safe operating conditions. Specifically, the facility failed to ensure the accuracy of the cabinet's internal and external thermometers was maintained to be of similar temperatures. This failed practice had the potential to not hold cooked foods at appropriate temperatures and placed all residents (based on a census of 16) at risk for foodborne illness. Findings: Random observations on 10/21-25/24 revealed the facility used an [NAME]-Shaam Hot Food Holding Cabinet, model 1000-UP, to store and hold cooked food prior to serving for meals. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jun 9, 2022

  Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure: 1) food was stored under proper sanitary conditions; and 2) concentrations of sanitizing solutions were maintained within acceptable parameters. This failed practice placed all residents (based on a census of 14) at risk for foodborne illness and communicable disease. Findings: Food Storage An observation of the central kitchen on 6/7/22 at 8:00 AM, revealed: Dry Storage (Pantry) - One bag of Baker's all-purpose [MEDICATION(S)] flour bleached, 1/4 full, opened on the shelf with no open date, exposed to the elements. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF585May 4, 2021

  Based on interview, observation, and record review, the facility failed to ensure 3 residents (#s 1, 9, and 14) 1.) had the information necessary to file a grievance, had information on how to file a grievance anonymously; 2.) failed to assist 1 resident (#5) with filing a grievance, and 3.) failed to address repeated verbal complaints by the residents. This failed practice denied all residents (based on a census of 14) their right to file a grievance and have their concerns and problems resolved. Findings: During an interview on 4/26/21 at 4:09 PM, when asked how to file a grievance with the facility, Resident #9 stated if they have a concern, they go to Licensed Nurse #3 if he/she not here they go to the current Director of Nursing, the backup. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF802May 4, 2021

  Based on the interview, observation, and record review, the facility failed to ensure sufficient dietary staff, adequate training, and supervision to effectively provide services to all the residents residing in the facility (based on a census of 14). This failed practice affected the ability of the dietary staff to meet residents' needs and placed residents at risk for inadequate nutrition. Findings: During an initial kitchen tour, when asked what the menu was on 04/26/21 09:49 AM, Cook #1 said dietary staff usually ask the residents what they wanted but had not been offering that option because dietary was short-staffed. Cook #1 stated the meals had been served from the central kitchen because they had been on a COVID menu (a menu for emergency operations). […]