WILLIAM J. BARLOW. JR, MAYOR 15 West OnEDa stazer % Osweco. NY 19126, PHONE: BIS) 342-8136, e ay ‘0 Fax 515) 342.8238 March 25, 2021 Howard A. Zucker, M.D., J.D. Commissioner, New York State Health Department Coming Tower Building Empire State Plaza Albany, New York 12237 Dear Commissioner Zucker: 1 am bringing to your attention the well documented and deplorable conditions at the Pontiac Care & Rehabilitation Center located in Oswego, New York. The “Pontiac” has a long record of poor care; has been subject to several criminal investigations and charges; maintains sub. standard living conditions and demonstrates regular mismanagement. not ice by the Pc ter i 2015 ~ Employees take video footage mocking a resident with dementia 2017 — Criminal charges relating to death of a patient 2018 ~ 2 residents die after Pontiac waits too long to send resident to emergency room, Criminal charges pursued. 2019 — The City of Oswego Code Enforcement Department issues several building code violations and fines including a leaking roof, buckets of rainwater in units and other violations 2020 — Facility is cited for COVID-19 protocol violations 2021 ~ Investigation into management's failure to protect residents from registered sex offender resulting in repeated sexual abuse, in at least one case involving a dementia patient As you can see through this brief overview, the Pontiac clearly exhibits an inability to Properly manage the facility and care for its residents. The facility houses our community's most Vulnerable citizens including senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and people with no other housing options. ‘These individuals and their families rely solely on government agencies and Authorities to protect them and ensure they receive the care and quality of life they deserve. The New York State Department of Health has several mechanisms it can use to improve conditions at this facility and force positive change. NYSDOH recently added the facility to a “special focus facility” list, but much more needs to be done immediately. 1 am formally requesting NYSDOH temporarily revoke the facility's license until management develops revised Plans and demonstrates an ability to properly care for residents. If revocation is not deemed appropriate, at a minimum, I strongly urge NYSDOH to hire a third-party manager to bring accountability and oversight to the facility. Furthermore, the Pontiac is an 80-bed facility. I understand occupancy is typically well below capacity and, therefore, believe any beds lost due toWILLIAM J. BARLOW, JR. MAYOR 18 West ONEIDA StaeeT OswEGo, NY 19126 PHONE: (315) 342.8136 O i Fax GIS) 3428238 enforcement actions against ity could be easily absorbed by other local health care rroviders, i 1e relocation ing local lice i pr ines with a thirty-da ice, all residents sed nearby facilities, In closing, I sincerely hope NYSDOH considers action that brings change and hope to the residents in the Pontiac Care & Rehabilitation Center, including the employees caught in this untenable situation. This facility has long been considered a stain on our community, with a notorious reputation for inflicting pain and suffering on residents, family members and employees. As Mayor of Oswego, I plead with NYSDOH to step in, sooner than later, to help the most vulnerable in our community who cannot help themselves. These residents are relying on government, at every level, to do its job to ensure they are protected and treated fairly and humanely. Currently, that is not happening. Tam more than willing to work with NYSDOH to identify alternative beds in and around the Oswego community to provide temporary, or permanent, support in place of the beds currently in use at the Pontiac Care & Rehabilitation Center. I am also available to meet with you or your staff, to answer questions, provide additional information and I, and my administration, stand ready to be part of the immediate solution. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 315-342-8140 or mayor@oswegony org. William J, Barlow, Jr Mayor-of Oswego Ce: New York State Goverfior Andrew M. Cuomo New York State Attorney General Letitia James Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay State Senator Patty Ritchie NYS DOH CNY Regional Office