Around the same time a Virginia children's hospital was cited for violating human rights regulations, a former employee claimed she was fired for reporting internal wrongdoing, according to CBS 6.
Internal documents show New Kent, Va.-based Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents, a residential facility for chronically ill youth or those with neurological or behavioral issues, saw 24 incidents involving 10 patients between January and June. The incidents, such as patients harming staff or other patients, were not entered into the state's computerized human rights information system, which is supposed to happen within 24 hours of each allegation, according to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Kimberly Bass, a former program coordinator at the hospital, contacted state officials Aug. 20 about an alleged incident she believed could've been avoided if hospital policies were followed. The state sent a licensing specialist to Cumberland Hospital Sept. 5 and determined that the hospital was compliant with regulations in the incident.
Ms. Bass told CBS 6 she was fired seven months after starting because she reported the alleged internal wrongdoing. According to Cumberland Hospital documentation, Ms. Bass was fired because she didn't allow a resident to use the bathroom.
An investigation determined that Ms. Bass was not fired because of misconduct at work, and the former employee was given unemployment benefits.
"The facts as depicted by the terminated employee are inaccurate," a spokesperson for Gay Brooks, CEO of Cumberland Hospital, told CBS 6. The obligation to report the incident to the state was Ms. Bass' responsibility, the spokesperson added, and was not performed correctly. "Our facility has established operating procedures and protocols in place. We do not tolerate deviation from our high standards or for compliance with required practices."
Ms. Bass told CBS 6 she was not aware of any unreported incidents and blames the noncompliance on senior management.
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