Unsafe Transport Van Conditions
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for residents when it continued using a grey transportation van with a non-functioning rear air conditioning system and deteriorated interior ceiling drapes. The van was observed with the air conditioning on, but the rear vents did not blow air, and more than half of the interior ceiling drapes in the back area were torn open and hanging down into the seating area. Staff confirmed the van was old, unreliable, and had been used despite the broken air conditioning for at least 1.5 to 2 years. Resident #1 had end stage renal disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia, COPD, and hypertension, used a wheelchair, and required dialysis three times weekly. She was transported in the grey van to an ophthalmology appointment in warm weather, and she stated she sat in the back/rear area where the air conditioning did not work. She reported being hot and very uncomfortable during the long trip and said the ceiling drapes would fall onto her head while she sat in the back. Staff confirmed the trip was about 1.5 to 2 hours each way and that the van was used for dialysis trips and other local transport despite the broken rear air conditioning. Other residents also described riding in the grey van and being hot and uncomfortable. Resident #3, who used a rolling walker and had COPD and major depressive disorder, stated the van’s rear air conditioning had not worked for a long time and that residents had stopped complaining because corporate was already aware. R1, who had end stage renal disease and required dialysis, stated he rode in the van for dialysis, was hot and uncomfortable, and had complained before but was told nothing could be done. R2, the resident council president, also stated the broken air conditioning had been known for a long time and that he had ridden in the van and found it hot and uncomfortable.
Penalty
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