State report shows inaction at Knoxville nursing home

State report shows inaction at Knoxville nursing home

February 24, 2005

By CATHARYN CAMPBELL
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- State investigators say staff, department heads and administrators knew of the allegations of sexual abuse at Hillcrest Healthcare North but did nothing. However, the state says the facility has passed a re-inspection.

According to a report from the state, Hillcrest has more than 260 residents.

Earlier in February, four female residents reported multiple cases of sexual abuse to employees.

The report says that one of the women, who had no serious mental problems, told at least four nursing assistants that "another resident's son...fondled her breasts after he assisted her to bed and had fondled her breasts and kissed her on the mouth at other times."

According to the state's investigation, two other women made similar allegations.

On Thursday, 6 News spoke with Lola Myers, whose son lives at the nursing home. "I think they're great, all of them, the care givers, the nurses and I haven't seen anything out of visitors or anything," she says.

In the report, Hillcrest never admits wrong doing. However, the document notes that an "administrator and two assistant directors of nursing have been terminated. The director of nursing has resigned."

6 News contacted Hillcrest for its reaction but representatives said their only statement was that the plan of correction had been submitted and the state approved it. Due to the violations, the nursing home is required to pay more than $23,000 in fines.

As a result of the investigation, the facility has implemented some new policies. Hillcrest North says now when a resident reports abuse, law agencies will be called in to investigate. Also, employees will go through additional training.

Earlier this week, the state did a follow up inspection of the facility and found that Hillcrest North is in compliance.