A certified nurse’s aide has been accused of seriously injuring a 57-year-old quadriplegic woman who was a patient at the now-closed John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility in Yaphank two years ago, authorities said.
Jolly Stewart of Middle Island was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, falsifying business records and wilful violation of health laws. She was released without bail following her initial Suffolk County court appearance Thursday.
Prosecutors with the New York State Attorney General’s office said Stewart tried to move the patient from her wheelchair to a bed using a mechanical lift, but without seeking help—despite the patient’s care plan specifically requiring two staff members for such a move—on Aug. 12, 2012.
When the victim fell to the floor, Stewart allegedly also failed to get help in an alleged attempt to cover up the incident, and then falsely wrote in the patient’s record that she had rendered all care according to the patient’s care plan, authorities said.
The victim suffered a five-inch laceration to the head, a fractured knee and bruising to her heel and buttocks area, authorities said.
The nursing home closed last year. The New York State Health Department referred the case to the attorney general’s office after receiving the complaint.
Stewart faces up to 4 years in prison if convicted. Her attorney was not immediately available for comment.
