CHS Pennsylvania hospital addresses 19 health violations found in surprise visit

After the Pennsylvania Department of Health cited Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) General Hospital for inadequate nurse staffing and other violations found during a surprise review Sept. 10-14, the hospital has implemented a plan of correction to address the issues, according to the Times Leader.

The review was launched after registered nurses of the Wyoming Valley Nurses Association submitted a packet of "documented patient care and staffing concerns" at Wilkes-Barre General, which is owned by Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems.

The union's statement details staffing shortages found during the review period, saying the health department found hospital management "failed to schedule a sufficient number of RNs and/or ancillary staff on the nursing units for 81 of 148 shifts reviewed."

Additionally, the report found 91 open RN positions, while the hospital relied on an excessive use of overtime.

State investigators cited the hospital for 19 violations of state and federal health regulations, which included patient rights and emergency services violations, according to the union.

Wilkes-Barre General has implemented a plan of correction to address the issues, a hospital spokesperson said. The health department accepted the plan after a follow-up survey found the hospital to be compliant in meeting required care standards.

The investigation came amid ongoing contract talks between the union and CHS.

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