In the fall of 2010, six residents of a North Carolina (NC) nursing home died after being infected with hepatitis. The deaths occurred at the GlenCare Assisted Living Center in Wayne County.
What makes the deaths of these victims even more tragic is that they probably could have been avoided. Investigators determined the staff at the nursing home had been using the same testing supplies on multiple diabetic residents. After a person with hepatitis was tested, anyone who was tested with the same equipment was exposed.
In an attempt to avoid future loss of life in this type of situation, WNCT reports that North Carolina lawmakers have passed a new law requiring medical technicians be trained in infection control. About 30,000 current technicians will be trained by the State Division of Public Health this year and all future technicians will receive five hours of training in the subject before attending patients.
It is unfortunate that multiple lives had to be lost before this issue was brought to light. Hopefully, because of this legislation, other families will not suffer the loss of a loved one as a result of improperly trained nursing home staff.
Nursing homes by design put many people in close proximity to each other, so it is not uncommon for illnesses to spread throughout a facility. If you think your loved one is suffering from a condition due to negligent exposure in a nursing home, you should contact an experienced North Carolina nursing home attorney to discuss the situation and determine what action should be taken. The following information provided by a North Carolina nursing home attorney provides an overview of what to do if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect.
MH