CALIFORNIA, MARYLAND — TheBayNet told you about allegations of a PPE shortage and poor COVID containment practices at a California, Maryland nursing home back on December 8.

At the time, the St. Mary’s County Health Department said they were aware of the allegations. Since then, we’ve received additional reports about the nursing home from former employees.  So what did the St. Mary’s County Health Department discover when they investigated Discovery Commons Wildewood?

New Allegations

First, let’s check out the new allegations. A former employee, who asked not to be identified said, “Staff is being directed to reuse gowns worn in COVID-Infected rooms to care for infected residents. There was and is a lack of PPE. It’s being hoarded in the supervisor’s office which was inaccessible to care staff. Residents were allowed to wander with no masks.”

The woman claimed management puts on a show for the SMCHD. “When the health department or state comes through those doors they go out and buy props for the building to give off a clean, welcoming safe Environment.”

Another former employee had similar claims. “They are allowing COVID- positive residents to eat in the dining room without waiting the 10-14 days. Housekeeping is not cleaning like they are supposed to.”

Disgruntled Employees?

When we contacted the nursing home’s parent company, Jeff Floyd, Vice President of Operations with the Florida-based  Discovery Senior Living said, “I think it is important for you to realize current and former staff members do not always represent information accurately or fairly, especially if they are disgruntled in any way.  We are very aware of former employees misrepresenting facts for reasons unknown to us.  Perpetuating their falsehoods to anyone is not appropriate and misleads the public.”

Floyd said the company takes every precaution. “The community had a three hour assessment with the Department of Health on December 9th and was in compliance with PPE use according to CDC and Department of Health guidance. The Department of Health recommended the staff continue all procedures and protocols in place and made a couple of recommendations which were welcomed and implemented.”

He insisted that there is no shortage of PPE for staff or residents. ” All supplies are available as needed. Visits from any state agency is unannounced and the team at WIldewood is always ready for assessments or inspections.”

Virtual Assessment

TheBayNet Contacted the Saint Mary’s County Health Department to ask about the findings on from the December 9 assessment. It turns out that it was a virtual visit.

“On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, representatives from the Maryland Department of Health and the St. Mary’s County Health Department met virtually with the team from Discovery Commons Assisted Living at Wildewood to complete a comprehensive infection prevention and control assessment. COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies being implemented by the facility were reviewed and best practice guidance was provided. Facility stock of personalized protective equipment (PPE) was determined to be adequate at this time.”

As it stands, the SMCHD had determined that that the supply of PPE at the facility is adequate.