RIWFP Call for Oversight of Dept of Health Following Whistleblower’s Nursing Home Allegations
RIWFP Call for Oversight of Department of Health Following Whistleblower’s Nursing Home Allegations
Disturbing Interview Describes Appalling Conditions and Huge Backlog of Uninvestigated Complaints
Providence, RI – Out of compassion for seniors living in nursing homes, among the most vulnerable in our population, Rhode Island Women for Freedom & Prosperity respectfully calls upon the House Oversight Committee and Chairwoman Patricia A. Serpa to investigate disturbing new allegations about potential R.I. Department of Health negligence. “Chairwoman Serpa is a compassionate and caring leader who boldly and effectively called out DCYF failures to protect children last year”, said Susan Wynne, RIWFP Chairwoman. “We need her courage now to shine a light on what is happening now to our especially vulnerable elderly during this pandemic.”
Earlier this week, a disturbing interview with a courageous R.I. Department of Health whistleblower by the R.I. Center for Freedom & Prosperity was released. She describes appalling conditions and inhumane treatment in many Rhode Island nursing homes and congregate care centers; an enormous backlog of R.I. Department of Health complaints made by family members and even alleges cover-up actions by certain state officials. Over 75% of Rhode Island COVID-19 deaths have taken place in nursing homes, and apparently more are suffering from neglect, but loved ones are prevented from seeing them due to Governor Gina Raimondo’s executive order that has no end in sight.
“Whether these are criminal, unethical, or inhumane actions, Rhode Islanders need to know,” Wynne emphasized. “As women are the primary caregivers and nurturers in many families, we cannot tolerate the possibility that any kind of inhumane treatment will go uninvestigated. Chairwoman Serpa has proven her competence without any special treatment and we are concerned that the “old boy’s network” is preventing her from resuming her important role.”
Click here to view the interview