Report says Norman Veterans Center is understaffed

Report says Norman Veterans Center is understaffed
By Michael McNutt
Capitol Bureau

An independent investigator looking into complaints of inadequate care at the Norman Veterans Center confirmed one complaint and said the 301-bed center is understaffed.

Gary Glover, a private investigator for a Checotah firm, confirmed a complaint from family members of one Vietnam War veteran who had to remain in soiled clothing for nearly an hour before being changed.

The administrator, Bob Weeks, did not dispute the allegation, but there may be some disagreement about the length of time it took to respond to the resident's call, Glover wrote. Weeks stated, however, that the time it took the staff to respond to the call light was unacceptable even if it was significantly less than 59 minutes, Glover wrote.

Almost all other complaints against the center were found to be unsubstantiated, Glover wrote.

He did find that residents and designated family members are not allowed to participate in planning of care and treatment and that while floors were being resurfaced, three residents were housed in rooms designed to accommodate two.

Glover also substantiated an allegation that workers are stressed, tired and overworked.
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