TORRANCE—The California Department of Public Health announced Tuesday, January 30 that Royalwood Care Center in Torrance, a skilled nursing and healthcare facility was found to be responsible for deficiencies at the facility that led to the death of a resident. The center received a Class “AA” citation –and an accompanying $100,000 fine- from the State of California.
The citation was levied after investigators determined that Royalwood was liable in the death of 81-year old Frances Niden. On July 2, 2017, Niden, a resident of Royalwood for over a year, began suffering from heart failure. Her physician determined she should be transported to hospital immediately, but Royalwood did not affect a transfer until five days later. She was admitted to an intensive care unit, but died five days later.
Royalwood is operated by the Orange County-based Genesis Healthcare firm and currently maintains 110 beds. Genesis Healthcare has paid the fine and decided not to appeal the citation.
The law firm of Garcia, Artigliere & Medby filed a lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court against Royalwood on Jan. 3 for elder abuse, negligent hiring, and supervision on behalf of Niden’s family.
“It’s clear from the California Department of Public Health’s findings, Royalwood Care Center violated a myriad of federal regulations governing the operations of the facility during Frances’ stay, leading directly to her injuries,” said attorney Stephen Garcia in a statement released to the media.
Royalwood has been the target of numerous negative reviews in the past. One critic of the facility wrote on Yelp: “The fines they just received from the state are well deserved. If there is any justice in the world they will be shut down soon.”
