California Health Department
fines Laguna Honda Hospital

By Brent Begin, Bay City News Service

March 26, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The state's health department has handed down the maximum fine possible to San Francisco's Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for the death of an 82-year-old woman last October.

Citing negligence and poor management, the California Department of Health Services handed down a $100,000 fine and a AA citation to the hospital, which is run by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

The citation, which is the most severe penalty the state department can issue, stems from the death of an elderly woman on Oct. 30.

Employees at the hospital found the woman dead on the ground in a small garden outside the hospital.

According to the medical examiner's report, the woman fell to her death, perhaps from a third story window above.

In the state department findings, Public Health Officer Mark Horton reported that the woman was alert but suffered from dementia and needed assistance for all daily activities. The report also revealed that the woman had a history of falling and wandering outside the facilities.

The fine was issued specifically because the "facility failed to review, evaluate, update and implement the care plan for the resident."

San Francisco Department of Public Health Spokeswoman Eileen Shields said the death of the woman was a tragedy and the department extends its sincerest condolences to the family.

But Shields said Laguna Honda Hospital should not be held responsible.

"We have received the state's findings and we don't agree with them," Shields said. "We will be appealing their decision."

Copyright © 2007 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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