A glucometer is a device that’s used to quickly and easily measure blood sugar in diabetic patients. The device collects a small amount of blood by means of a small needle. The blood is then analyzed by the device for sugar levels. To be absolutely clear, the device involves a needle and blood.
Anyone with any medical training whatsoever should know that blood is one of the easiest means of transmitting blood borne pathogens, some of which can be deadly. Despite that, staff at the Shelbyville Manor nursing home were seen by Illinois Department of Public Health Inspectors (IDPH) failing to clean the glucometers between use. The staff members washed their own hands, but did not clean the devices.
This practice is directly putting the blood of some residents into the bodies of other residents. Obviously, diseases like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis can be present in a nursing home, especially since nursing homes have become, in many states, a repository for mentally disabled adults who have been living on the streets.
It’s alarming that this would take place, but the fact that the staff member did this in the presence of a nursing home inspector indicates that it is a common practice. Clearly, anyone with diabetes who developed a blood borne illness while a member of the nursing home would have cause to blame the nursing home for failing to train their staff properly.
Proper training is essential to safety in a nursing home. When a nursing home lacks the ability to perform basic care with human blood, there is a high likelihood that additional deficiencies are also taking place at Shelbyville Manor.
If you have a loved one in a Chicago nursing home who has become sick or acquired an infection, and you feel that nursing home neglect or a medication error is to blame, contact one of our Chicago nursing home lawyers for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.
At my law offices we have the experience and expertise to manage every aspect of your Chicago nursing home neglect lawsuit, and we would welcome the opportunity to speak to you.