Court Action Ensures Continued Patient Safety at Four Homes
Albany, December 8, 1995 -- New York State Health Commissioner Barbara A. DeBuono, M.D., praised the State Supreme Court's speedy action tonight to appoint a temporary caretaker for four affiliated nursing homes in upstate New York.
State Supreme Court Judge Anthony J. Carpinello issued the order tonight concerning Highgate Manor, 100 New Turnpike Road, Troy; Hilltop Manor, 1805 Providence Ave., Niskayuna; Rosewood Gardens, 284 Troy Road, Rensselaer; and Highgate Manor-Cortland, 28 Kellogg Road, Cortland.
"I thank Judge Carpinello for agreeing to hear our petition at such a late hour on a Friday night," Dr. DeBuono said. "By his action, we have ensured that patients will be cared for appropriately and the staffs of these nursing homes will be paid for their work. These employees stayed on the job, even though they had been told this morning that they were not going to be paid. For their dedication to their patients, I thank them."
In response to the Judge's action, Meditrust, a Boston-based real estate investment firm which is the facilities' landlord, announced that it was wiring funds so that an estimated 500 employees of these nursing homes will be paid. The Health Department staff will continue to be on site for each shift to ensure that appropriate resident care is provided during this period.
The temporary caretaker is Loretto Properties Corporation of Syracuse, whose principal is James Introne, who has served as a receiver for a troubled nursing home in the past. Loretto Properties Corporation is the owner of Loretto Nursing Home in Syracuse.
Judge Carpinello appointed Mr. Introne as a temporary caretaker for one week. The parties must appear before State Supreme Court on December 15 to determine whether the caretaker appointment should be continued. Charles Brennick of Massachusetts had been the operator of the facilities. In earlier negotiations, Meditrust had proposed appointing Mr. Introne as a voluntary receiver. However, today Mr. Brennick did not sign the voluntary receivership. As a result, Meditrust refused to continue funding to the facilities and employees were not paid.
Once the Health Department was notified by facility administrators that payroll was not made, staff immediately began surveillance activities, including on-site monitoring of patient care. Approximately 500 residents are cared for in the nursing homes, including some with traumatic brain injuries.
