Washington Soldiers Home Ordered To Take Corrective Action To Protect Residents
Listen
The Washington Soldiers Home has been ordered to take steps to protect it residents. The order by outside regulators follows a recent investigation that found “widespread deficiencies” at the nursing home for veterans.
The Washington Soldiers Home is a state-run facility that serves veterans, their spouses or widows and Gold Star parents.
In late February, a complaint triggered an unannounced inspection of the Soldiers Home. That inspection turned up numerous serious issues and residents were found to be in “immediate jeopardy.”
One resident had an open wound that exposed muscle and tendon. Since then, top officials at the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs have taken over operation of the Soldiers Home and fired the superintendent and director of nursing.
But the turnaround is not yet complete. A letter dated April 25 requires the Soldiers Home to make significant improvements. Staff must be retrained to recognize resident abuse and neglect.
The facility must also develop a comprehensive plan to protect its 88 residents going forward.
9(MDAyOTk4OTc0MDEyNzcxNDIzMTZjM2E3Zg004))
Related Stories:

Unpacked: Washington state’s budget deficit
A discussion with host Phineas Pope and NWPB reporter Lauren Gallup about Washington state’s budget deficit.

Tacoma physicians are trying to unionize
Joining a growing trend, physicians at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma are trying to unionize.
“ We really want to be able to have a voice, have a seat at the table and work with them and be a little bit more collaborative. And we think this unionization effort is the best way to do that,” said Derek Tam, a pediatric emergency physician at the hospital.

Cantwell, Schrier talk possible Medicaid cuts with local health care stakeholders
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Kim Schrier met with hospital executives, doctors and community health stakeholders from across North Central Washington on Thursday to discuss the impact of potential cuts to Medicaid.