Commons' correction plan accepted after death investigation | Social Services

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The state has approved a plan of corrections after an elderly woman died at an adult care facility in Wilmington.

Nanette Galbraith died at the Commons at Brightmore in June. An investigation by New Hanover County Department of Social Services and NC Division of Health Service Regulation found an improperly assembled hospital bed was to blame for the death.

The Adult Care Licensure Section of DHSR recently accepted the adult care facility's plan to correct the problem, along with other discrepancies. The changes are listed below:

• A doctor's order was obtained for two residents using hospital beds, and the requirement will be enforced for any incoming patients needing one. Galbraith was given a hospital bed without a doctor's order.
• Beds will be inspected every six months, or sooner if the bed moves to a different room or a new resident is assigned to the bed.
• New admissions to the Commons at Brightmore will assessed for their risk of falling. The test will be retaken every three months. If someone has a high risk of falling, he or she will be designated as such.
• Staff will make rounds every half hour, checking on residents who are considered at a risk of falling. Employees must be able to see the person in his or her room.
• An administrator, who will be making random checks, will verify the list of rounds has been completed. Administrators will now be notified immediately of a death at the facility

Financial citations for the adult care facility are pending. A penalty review committee will determine the amount.

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