Staff levels cited in 2 Pa. hospital deaths

CARLISLE, Pa. (AP) — State officials say low staffing levels may have contributed to two deaths at a central Pennsylvania hospital in June.

The state Department of Health says an inspection showed a shortage of nurses in various departments at Carlisle Regional Medical Center, including the hospital’s emergency room.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reports state officials found the hospital failed to ensure emergency room services “meet the needs of patients in accordance with acceptable standards of practice.”

Both deaths involved patients in the hospital’s emergency room.

The hospital’s parent company, Health Management Associates, says Carlisle Regional Medical Center takes the report’s findings seriously and is committed to patient care.

No penalties have been issued but state health officials say the hospital must provide a plan of corrective action.