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July 26. 2012 10:24PM
Feds say spot check found deficiencies at Exeter Hospital
EXETER — An investigation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found serious deficiencies in Exeter Hospital's infection control practices, according to a letter from the federal agency.
The letter dated June 20 was addressed to hospital CEO Kevin Callahan and outlined concerns raised during a spot survey of the hospital's procedures on June 6 following a complaint in the wake of the hepatitis C outbreak announced in late May.
While the deficiencies were not detailed in the letter made public this week, the federal agency that oversees the Medicare program found that the hospital was not in compliance with so-called Medicare Conditions of Participation.
“These deficiencies have been determined to be of such a serious nature as to substantially limit your hospital's capacity to render adequate care and prevent it from being in compliance ...,” the letter said.
Following the June 6 inspection, a full survey was conducted from July 10 to July 13 to assess the hospital's compliance by reviewing all aspects of patient care.
During the first visit on June 6, the hospital said surveyors made a number of recommendations related to infection control practices. The hospital said no additional “significant findings” were made following the full survey.
“In light of these recommendations and the seriousness of the hepatitis C outbreak, the letter from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) was not unexpected nor was the announcement that the (federal agency) would return for a follow-up survey to confirm our compliance with the conditions of participation,” the hospital said in a prepared statement issued late Thursday afternoon.
The state Department of Health and Human Service's Bureau of Licensing and Certification sent the hospital a letter on July 23 stating that infection control deficiencies existed following the July inspections and that the hospital would have to achieve compliance within 45 days or face termination of its provider agreement.
“As with all surveys of this type, the surveyors provided us with several recommendations for improvement. We shared the corrective actions we have taken or plan to take as a result of the June survey. Based upon the surveyors' feedback, we believe these actions will ultimately fully address CMS's recommendations,” the hospital said.
Jason Schreiber may be reached at jschreiber@newstote.com.
The letter dated June 20 was addressed to hospital CEO Kevin Callahan and outlined concerns raised during a spot survey of the hospital's procedures on June 6 following a complaint in the wake of the hepatitis C outbreak announced in late May.
While the deficiencies were not detailed in the letter made public this week, the federal agency that oversees the Medicare program found that the hospital was not in compliance with so-called Medicare Conditions of Participation.
“These deficiencies have been determined to be of such a serious nature as to substantially limit your hospital's capacity to render adequate care and prevent it from being in compliance ...,” the letter said.
Following the June 6 inspection, a full survey was conducted from July 10 to July 13 to assess the hospital's compliance by reviewing all aspects of patient care.
During the first visit on June 6, the hospital said surveyors made a number of recommendations related to infection control practices. The hospital said no additional “significant findings” were made following the full survey.
“In light of these recommendations and the seriousness of the hepatitis C outbreak, the letter from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) was not unexpected nor was the announcement that the (federal agency) would return for a follow-up survey to confirm our compliance with the conditions of participation,” the hospital said in a prepared statement issued late Thursday afternoon.
The state Department of Health and Human Service's Bureau of Licensing and Certification sent the hospital a letter on July 23 stating that infection control deficiencies existed following the July inspections and that the hospital would have to achieve compliance within 45 days or face termination of its provider agreement.
“As with all surveys of this type, the surveyors provided us with several recommendations for improvement. We shared the corrective actions we have taken or plan to take as a result of the June survey. Based upon the surveyors' feedback, we believe these actions will ultimately fully address CMS's recommendations,” the hospital said.
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Jason Schreiber may be reached at jschreiber@newstote.com.
