Posted: 9/26/06
Team approach credited for successful inspection at CCR
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A successful team approach paid off for Caledonia Care & Rehab (CCR) in its annual inspection by The Minnesota Department of Health.
Thatís how outgoing medical director Dr. Alan Fleischmann characterized the fact that no citations were issued during the annual survey.
The inspection, which was conducted from August 21-24, focused upon resident quality of care and quality of life. Surveyors interviewed residents and staff, observed resident care, evaluated physical environment, and monitored medication passes.
ěThe care of patients has to be team-based or it canít work,î Dr. Fleischmann said during his final meeting with department representatives on September 18.
They include social services, activities, housing, dietary, laundry, housekeeping, and administration.
The nursing home had medication error rate of 0.0001, based on eight errors over 78,796 opportunities for errors, the survey said. Forty eight residents were used, with an average of nine medications per resident twice a day.
ěThatís an incredible error rate in medication passes,î Fleischmann said.
ěStaff members performed their daily tasks extremely well during the survey,î CCR director Lloyd Swalve. He said the ěpressure is onî during the surveys.
Although the surprise surveys (inspections) are ěannualî, surveyors can arrive as frequently as every nine months or can wait up to 15 months for the next visit, preserving the element of surprise.
Swalve also praised Dr. Fleischmannís work. He has served patients there since 1987, and has been medical director since 1992.
ěHeís very particular and that has helps us as far as doing things that have really benefitted the residents.î
Fleischmann is leaving the facility to become Franciscan Skemp Vice President of Medical Affairs with responsibility for Service Excellence. His last day will be October 26. He will be replaced by Dr. John Cochran.
Cochran has been seeing patients at the facility since 1991, so now he will have a dual role. The duties center on implementing and coordinating resident care policies and providing supervision of physician services and medical care.
Cochran said he is grateful for the wonderful staff, and happy that the nursing home is in excellent condition.
Dr. Michelle Rein will be replacing Dr. Fleischmann at the nursing home in November. Her practice starts at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in Caledonia in January.
Caledonia Argus
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