Salisbury nursing home on federal list due to ‘serious quality issues’

SALISBURY, N.C. — The Citadel, a Salisbury nursing home where 21 people died from COVID-19, has attracted the attention of another federal agency.

[CDC ‘strike team’ dispatched to Kings Mountain nursing home day after visiting Salisbury facility]

Last week, the nursing home was added to Medicare’s list of Special Focus Facilities, which means the facility has a history of serious quality issues is included in a special program to stimulate improvements in their quality of care.”

Early in September, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a strike team to The Citadel to provide insight into the nursing home’s outbreak.

[Husband, wife die weeks apart at Salisbury nursing home because of COVID-19]

Some family members told reporter Tina Terry that they want change at the nursing home but wonder if being on the SFF list will make change happen.

In the video at the top of this webpage, Terry learns what that list means for the facility and family members of residents.

Statement from Sherri Stoltzfus, administrator of The Citadel Salisbury:

"Dear Residents, Friends, and Family Members,

"In accordance with my commitment to keep you informed, I am writing today to provide you an update with the regulatory position of our facility.

"Our mission is to provide clinical excellence by placing residents at the center of their care while enhancing quality of life in long term care. On February 1st, 2020, our center transitioned to new management. I knew there were many challenges to overcome but remained confident that we would be successful in providing the care and creating the clinical outcomes these residents deserve.

"Prior to February, this center experienced multiple years of poor regulatory compliance and was closely monitored by State Agencies and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since February, this team has navigated the existing challenges as well as immediate onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with the support of state and local health departments as well as our regulatory agencies. We view these agencies as partners who share our mission to provide clinical excellence to those we serve. Although this team has only had the privilege to provide care for our residents these last eight months, the historical regulatory compliance compounds in the decision making of our regulators today.

"I was recently notified that our center has been selected for the “Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program” based on poor compliance history for the past three years. This means the Citadel Salisbury will be subject to at least one standard survey every six months. The purpose of this program is to increase regulatory oversight until substantial compliance is achieved by two consecutive surveys with little to no deficiencies.

"I believe our team is well equipped with some of the sharpest, most knowledgeable professionals in the industry and our commitment remains strong to provide a safe and healthy environment for staff and residents alike.

COVID-19 UPDATE

"This week our facility received results of our second consecutive round of negative tests for staff and residents. I am highly encouraged by this success of containing the few cases that recently reappeared and again have a COVID-19 free community.

“As always, I understand how important it is to remain connected with each other, and to express love. Feel free to contact us, by phone or email, to schedule a video call with your loved ones. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, we invite you to contact us by phone or email.”

Cox Media Group