State Rep. Calls for Investigation into Conditions at Twinbrook
State Rep. Pat Harkins (D-Erie) is calling on the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the state Attorney General to investigate "mounting complaints" involving an Erie nursing home.
Harkins sent letters to Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine and Attorney General Josh Shapiro to request immediate action to address reports that inadequate staffing and a lack of supplies are impacting care at Twinbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Erie.
He says it is an urgent safety matter in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Staff and family members of Twinbrook residents have contacted me expressing alarm over the deteriorating conditions and the failure of management to address those conditions,” said Harkins in a statement. “While quality of care for seniors is always a major priority, the presence of COVID-19 in our community makes personnel and supply shortage issues even more pressing because they affect the staff’s ability to properly care for and treat residents in a sanitary environment.
“We have seen the devastating effects caused by the virus’ spread within care facilities and senior homes in other parts of the country, and we need to act now to make sure that doesn’t happen here. The lives of our most vulnerable seniors – and those on the front lines who care for them – depend on it.”
The Department of Health cited Twinbrook in January for failing to comply with a number of emergency preparedness requirements.
It is owned by Brockway-based Guardian Elder Care, which issued the following statement to Erie News Now following a request for comment Monday:
"The safety of our residents and employees is, and always has been, our top priority. We are focused on COVID-19 preparedness and are following all CDC, CMS and DOH guidance for health care facilities. Adequate supplies are in a location where caregivers have access. Our dedicated employees continue to pour their hearts and souls into caring for our residents during this unprecedented time."