RICHMOND, Va. — A report delivered Thursday by the Virginia legislature’s investigative arm, described by lawmakers as “sobering” and “disturbing”, provided some answers as to why the state’s public health agency has failed to complete timely nursing home inspections and complaint investigations.
Over the past several months, CBS 6 has investigated nursing home inspection delays after some Virginians expressed frustrations with the state’s perceived lack of urgency and ability to address their complaints.
For example, Steve Lambert submitted a complaint to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in December 2023 regarding Westport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Henrico County where his brother Winfred Lambert was living.
Lambert alleged “horrifying” conditions at the facility after finding his brother exposed, half-dressed, and face-down in his bed. He said Winfred was unable to move himself due to muscle loss or speak for himself due to an intellectual disability. Lambert said he also discovered what he believed to be large pieces of someone else’s dead skin covering Winfred’s bed.