Venice, Florida -- Venice Regional Bayfront Health failed to protect patients during a severe sewage leak on the second floor last month, according to a state report. And the facility could lots its Medicare license.
The report says staff had to close the second-floor fire doors to contain the leak. They watched as the light fixtures filled with water, the same water that was running down the elevator shaft causing wiring to short out.
According to the report, the director of plant operations said, "Sewage water was flowing at a steady pace and required large trash bins to capture the water."
The leak happened in hallways near patients and the nursing unit, according to the report, and patients were never moved.
In response, the hospital called a plumber and a cleaning crew, and then thought the problem was corrected.
In the report, hospital CEO Pete Wozniak said, "We did not know the scope of the issue." He stated the facility, "thought we did the right thing and fixed it, but trusted the restoration company too much."
"We did not know the scope of the issue," said Wozniak. He said staff "thought we did the right thing and fixed it, but trusted the restoration company too much."
LEARN MORE:Report of violations June 30
LEARN MORE:Report of violations July 2
State investigators with the Agency for Healthcare Administration found rats, bacteria and leaky vents.
"I'm very disappointed in our hospital," says Janice Stephens.
Stephens says she will probably go back to Venice Regional but she'd be concerned. "Perhaps with the cleanliness," she said. "Clean up their act."
The hospital has 90 days until Oct. 19 to fix the problem, or it could lose its license as a Medicare provider.
