Nursing home fined in suspicious deaths.
The Woodstock Residence in McHenry County was fined nearly $360,000 at which five suspicious deaths were being investigated. Illinois Department of Publich Health regulators investigating the deaths said that improper use of drugs like morphine sulfated contributed to the deaths.
The regulators alleged that an employee prepared drug cocktails and administered them to residents so as not be bothered during her shift. Marty Himebaugh, 57 allegedly told a co-worker in reference to a patient,"She won't make it through the day. I made sure of that," accoring to a 130-age report. The employees are not mentioned by name in the report instead using codes and including a separate staff "identity key"
On Oct 31, 2006, Himebaugh a licensed practical nurse was fied from the Woodstock Residence. The Illinois State Police, who were investigating the deaths, made the suggestion to her superiors.
Penny Whitlock, 59, the former director of nursing, along with Himebaugh, was indicted in April on criminal charges for endangering the lives of the residents at Woodstock Residence.
