A state-run long-term care facility in West Virginia has found itself embroiled in controversy following the tragic death of an elderly patient.
The incident, which unfolded at Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta back in January, has resulted in the termination of four staff members connected to the harrowing death.
According to reports from the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities (DHF), the incident occurred on January 4, and saw one of the facility's whirlpool water baths impacted by a thermostat failure.
This malfunction led to unsafe water temperatures, with one elderly man suffering scalding burns as a result.
The DHF reported that the man was "treated for burns" following the "equipment malfunction", but later died as a result of the injuries he sustained.
The Disability Rights of West Virginia (DRWV) later conducted an investigation into the matter, and revealed that the water in the whirlpool bath reached a scalding 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.6 degrees Celsius), where the victim - described as nonverbal and suffering from dementia - remained for a shocking 47 minutes, per West Virginia Watch and CBS affiliate KDKA.
It has also been revealed that the man required "round-the-clock care".
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Mike Folio - the legal director for DRWV - painted a grim picture of the events, likening them to a "gory Stephen King novel." He revealed distressing details, alleging that the victim's skin had "melted off" and pointed to hospital staff's awareness of the malfunction prior to the fatal incident.
"Imagine someone who is elderly, nonverbal and has dementia left unattended in scalding hot water. Even if he screamed out in pain, he couldn’t be heard because he was nonverbal," Folio said.
Folio described the tragedy as "truly the most egregious case" he's ever seen, explaining that the whirlpool tanks are usually set to no-higher than a comfortable 100 degrees.
Medical whirlpool baths are often used to help patients improve circulation, mobility, and comfort.
His investigation revealed hospital staff were aware of a malfunctioning water tank thermostat that caused the high water temperature and failed to fix it prior to the death. "They made no meaningful effort to fix what they knew was a known hazard," he claimed.
In a quote from CBS News, Folio revealed: "Roughly 30 days prior to this episode, one of the RNs at Hopemont sent an internal email advising staff about concerns of hot water and specifically said that there is a fear that patients may get burned."
This revelation paints a chilling picture of neglect and systemic failure within the facility.
Following the investigation, DHF took decisive action, announcing the termination of four nurses connected to the case.
Cabinet Secretary Michael J. Caruso emphasized the agency's commitment to patient safety, vowing full cooperation with law enforcement and investigative bodies. However, questions linger about the lapses in oversight and accountability that led to this heartbreaking loss.
A spokesperson for the Preston County Sheriff’s Department informed West Virginia Watch that an investigation into the death is ongoing and that no further information can be released at this time.
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this terrible tragedy.
