EDWARDSVILLE – A woman filed a wrongful death suit against Godfrey healthcare centers, alleging her family member died in their care as a result of negligence.
Julia Amy Britt, acting as independent administrator of the estate Patricia Ann Britt, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against Godfrey Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Integrity HCC Services, LLC, Dasha M. Skinner, LPN, Jana L. Young, LPN, Versie Lee Tuggle R.N., Alton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, LLC doing business as Integrity Healthcare of Alton, citing negligence in violation of the state's Nursing Home Care Act.
According to the lawsuit, Patricia Britt was a patient in the care of the Godfrey Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center from July 31, 2020, through Sept. 4, 2021. During her stay, she had a catheter that was to be changed at least once per month.
On Sept. 16, 2020, LPN Skinner documented that Britt's blood glucose was high and that her urine was turbid, but allegedly did not notify anyone.
The next day, Skinner also documented abnormal vital signs, but did not notify anyone. The same day, Britt was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI), congestive heart failure, sepsis, uncontrolled diabetes and infection. She was transferred to St. Anthony Healthcare until Sept. 22, 2020.
Britt was later transferred to Integrity HC of Godfrey from Sept. 22, 2020, through June 8, 2021. During her time there, Young document abnormalities with Britt's urine, but allegedly did not notify anyone until June 8, 2021, when Britt began to exhibit abnormal vital signs. Britt was transferred back to St. Anthony's and diagnosed with health conditions similar to before. She was treated and transferred back to Integrity HC on June 11, 2021.
The lawsuit alleges that upon her return, the admitting nurse Tuggle failed to ensure that Britt have a urology follow-up as recommended. Tuggle also allegedly failed to administer medication causing her blood glucose levels to steadily increase. For the next few months through Aug. 7, 2021, the nursing staff allegedly failed to properly manage Britt's glucose levels and diabetes and failed to change her catheter as scheduled. Young continued to document abnormalities with her urine, but did not notify anyone, the suit states.
Britt's urine tested positive for E. Coli on Aug. 30, 2021. On Sept. 4, 2021, her blood glucose spiked. She was transferred to St. Anthony's again and diagnosed with sepsis, a UTI and related conditions. She eventually died on Sept. 8, 2021.
A survey by the Illinois Department of Public Health found that Integrity HC was in violation for improper nursing care and procedures.
According to the lawsuit, Patricia died as a result of the defendants' negligence and carelessness. The plaintiff alleges the defendants repeatedly violated the state's Nursing Home Care Act by negligently failing to provide sufficient care to safely meet Patricia's specific personal needs. The plaintiff alleges Patricia's death has caused grief and sorrow to her next of kin.
The plaintiff is seeking damages, plus any other relief the court deems proper. She is represented in this case by attorney Eva E. Golabek of Kralovec, Jambois, & Schwartz in Chicago.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 2022LA001098