Salisbury nursing home that had multiple COVID-19 outbreaks has closed, spokesperson says

SALISBURY, N.C. — The Citadel Salisbury nursing home officially closed its doors Friday, according to an Accordius Health spokesperson.

The spokesperson said there were no remaining patients at the facility at the time of the closure. They also said both staff and patients were notified about the closure on May 24, and offered to help with a seamless transition.

The announcement comes after Channel 9 has investigated the embattled facility for years.

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Back in May, the Secretary of Health and Human Services terminated its agreement between Medicare and the Citadel Salisbury, according to federal officials. The department stated the nursing home failed to meet Medicare’s basic health and safety requirements.

Since the start of the pandemic two years ago, Channel 9 investigated several claims at the Citadel. The reports included a class-action lawsuit, which, in part, alleges critical staff shortages that compromised patient care.

The Citadel also had multiple COVID-19 outbreaks. In one outbreak, 21 people died. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention sent a strike team there in September 2020 to recommend changes to prevent more outbreaks.

[ ALSO READ: Report: North Carolina nursing home put residents in jeopardy during storm ]

As a result of the closing, Channel 9′s Tina Terry spoke to a family that rushed to find a new home for their loved one.

Robin Johnson said her mother, Dianne Johnson, moved to the Citadel Salisbury in December 2021 for rehab, but soon after started to complain about poor care at the facility.

“She said that, ‘This is horrible. They took care of me in the ICU,’” Robin said.

She later learned about the other serious complaints against the facility. Now, her mother has moved back home with her family.

“I’m happy that they’re closed, but I think about those other 86 people that were there. Where did they go? What do those other family members do?” Robin said.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

Full letter sent to employees and patients at the end of May:

“The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a notice of termination to the provider agreement with our center effective 11:59 PM on May 19th, 2022, due to the facility’s failure to comply with federal requirements. Once termination notices are in effect, the provider may no longer receive payment for services rendered. Regrettably, Medicare and Medicaid residents of The Citadel Salisbury must relocate to other facilities in order for Medicare or Medicaid to continue paying for nursing facility care.

“Medicare and Medicaid will continue paying The Citadel Salisbury until 11:59 PM on June 18, 2022, for residents admitted to The Citadel Salisbury on or before May 19th, 2022. Residents will be responsible for paying Citadel of Salisbury if they want to continue living in the facility after 11:59 PM on June 18, 2022.

“We are providing you with this information so that you can refer any resident or family member to the correct resource and as notice that we will have to work together to transfer your employment to another company location if you so choose.

“Resident rights in this situation include the right to choose a new nursing facility. Please have them contact The Citadel Salisbury administrator for a list of available beds in other facilities in the area, should they decide to relocate.

“Information about North Carolina nursing facilities is available on The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation website. Information about nursing facilities is also available on the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Nursing Home Compare website.

“Facility leadership is working with CMS and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) through this process.”

(WATCH BELOW: Federal health agency terminates Medicare agreement with Salisbury nursing home)

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