Doctor Wants Answers From Newark Nursing Home After Uncle Dies

NEWARK, NJ — A doctor is demanding answers from a nursing home in Newark after her uncle died from coronavirus-related complications last week.

Rachna Patel told Patch that her uncle, “Mr. Patel” – who she asked not be named publicly because her family is still mourning – died on April 22 at Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark. He was 61.

Patel was a resident of the New Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newark for “many years,” his niece said.

A Patch reporter called New Vista’s administrative office with Mr. Patel’s full name, age and date of death, seeking comment for this story. An employee said “no comment, thank you,” and hung up without answering any additional questions. An attempt to email the facility was unsuccessful; we will update this article with any reply we receive.

Patel said her uncle tested positive for COVID-19 after being admitted to Saint Michael’s on April 13. Before he fell ill and was transferred from New Vista to the hospital, her cousin made calls to the facility on April 7, April 8 and April 10.

None were returned, Patel said.

“We can't help but wonder … had they responded, would we have been able to save his life?” she asked.

Patel and a Patch reporter aren’t the only ones who have had difficulties getting in touch with New Vista’s administrators. When the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) issued its first round of coronavirus case/death counts for long-term care facilities, officials noted that they were unable to complete their report for New Vista, despite “calling multiple times” on April 18.

Patel, a former emergency medicine physician, holds a license to practice in California. She said her uncle had a history of autism and epilepsy, but was otherwise healthy.

Patel said her uncle “hardly, if ever,” left the facility.

“He was an incredibly kind and gentle soul,” she said. “He only brought smiles and laughter to those around him.”

“My hope is that other families don’t have to face the death of a loved one under these very dire circumstances,” Patel added.

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According to the latest NJDOH statistics, there have been 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at New Vista as of Wednesday. There have been 21 deaths linked the disease at the facility, officials said.

Statewide, there have been 18,045 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey’s long-term care facilities. There have been 3,247 deaths linked to the disease, an 18 percent fatality rate.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gives New Vista an overall rating of two out of five stars, which includes:

• Health Inspection – 1 of 5 stars
• Staffing – 5 of 5 stars
• Quality Measures – 5 of 5 stars

The for-profit facility has 340 certified beds and participates in Medicare and Medicaid. View its most recently published inspection reports here.

According to New Vista’s website, consulting pharmacists, podiatrist, neurologist and dental services are provided on site. Daily leisure activities and religious services are available, and family members of residents are encouraged to take residents on outings.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

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