Quinnipiac Valley Center in Wallingford, Connecticut, a nursing home that also served as a COVID-19 recovery center, has been shut down following a series of serious violations that put residents at risk. Two patient deaths prompted an investigation by the state Department of Public Health (DPH), which uncovered seven life-threatening violations. The 94 residents at the facility will be transferred to other facilities, with a temporary manager appointed to oversee the process. DPH issued an emergency alert to nursing home providers to help find new homes for the residents.
Owned by the Genesis Corporation, a national chain, Quinnipiac Valley Center has been facing challenges. The investigation revealed issues related to medication errors, infection control failures, and neglect of patients, among other concerns. The facility failed to administer medications accurately and report adverse incidents, leading to instances of immediate jeopardy. DPH officials expressed grave concern over the extent of the violations, describing them as unprecedented and unacceptable in Connecticut.
The decision to close Quinnipiac Valley Center on short notice is a rare and extreme measure taken to ensure the safety of the residents. The state intervened based on findings of imminent harm due to neglect, staffing shortages, and lack of leadership at the facility. Attorney General William Tong supported the closure, emphasizing the serious nature of the standard of care concerns. The last time the state took such action was during the pandemic when a nursing home in Norwich was closed due to a COVID outbreak.
DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani underscored the necessity of the closure, citing the facility's inability to keep residents safe despite daily monitoring and ample time to address the issues. The transfer of residents to other facilities is being coordinated to prevent any further harm. The closing of Quinnipiac Valley Center highlights the importance of upholding safety standards in nursing homes and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable individuals.