Report: Multiple problems found at Ancora

WINSLOW – Ancora officials "failed to provide necessary oversight and leadership" and did not bring the facility into compliance with regulations after an inspection earlier this year, according to a partial state record obtained Tuesday by the Courier-Post.

During an annual site visit to Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in April, state Department of Health inspectors found multiple deficiencies regarding patient rights, dietary services and rehabilitation services, according to the document.

"Based on document review, interview and observation, it was determined that the Governing Body failed to demonstrate it is effective in carrying out the responsibilities for the operation and management of the hospital," the report stated.

On Monday, the Department of Human Services shook up the management structure at the 600-bed, in-patient hospital, reassigning three administrators.

Additional documents detailing the findings from that site visit were provided upon request by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Tuesday. One noted repeat deficiencies and said the hospital "failed to protect and promote the rights of each patient."

Problems included: failure to provide care in a safe setting; failure to provide physical therapy as ordered by physicians; and failure to ensure proper oversight of the hospital's food services.

A site visit on April 16 uncovered fire code violations. In two wards, inspectors found three or four beds in multiple sleeping areas permitted for two people.

Documents also noted the facility's failure to revise "master treatment plans" regarding the use of restraints. During an unannounced visit in March, federal consultants reviewed the hospital's use of restraints on a small sample group of patients.

Records showed two patients were restrained multiple times without anyone updating their treatment plans to prevent future incidents. When asked, a staffer told the consultants, "I know I should have done that, but I didn't," according to the documents.

Inspectors cited issues with the cleanliness and maintenance of patient rooms, and found expired drugs and insulin that was unusable because it was stored at improper temperatures.

The facility also was cited for simple environmental issues such as an exit sign cover and electrical conduit fastened with "non-tamperproof" screws.

Donna Leusner, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health, would not provide a copy of the full 27-page report Tuesday, and advised the Courier-Post to file an Open Public Records Act request for the document. A Courier-Post reporter submitted the document request Tuesday afternoon.

On Monday, employees were called to a surprise "town hall" meeting, where they learned three administrators had been reassigned by the Department of Human Services. Acting Commissioner Beth Connolly named Christopher Morrison as acting CEO. Morrison was formerly the deputy CEO at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.

Former CEO John Lubitsky had served as the hospital's top administrator since November 2013.

Nicole Brossoie, a spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, said Monday the state and hospital staff are working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to correct the deficiencies. On Tuesday, she said Morrison will name his new executive team once he becomes familiar with the hospital.

Kim Mulford: (856) 486-2448; kmulford@courierpostonline.com