More State Actions To Be Taken At Brighton Rehab Center

BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — The state now says it will hire a new temporary manager to be on-site at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver County to try and control the COVID-19 outbreak there. It’s believed more than 70 residents have now died there from the coronavirus. The state’s action comes after multiple stories about the problems at Brighton and sharp criticism from U.S. Representative Conor Lamb, as Brighton is part of his district. Lamb said both the facility and state have failed, and it’s time to treat the situation with the urgency it deserves as residents continue to die. Lamb sent a letter to the head of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services calling for a federal investigation. Just this week Brighton was cited for an “immediate jeopardy,” violation that “could kill or seriously injure” residents. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine addressed Lamb’s criticism directly and announced the state would be taking new action at Brighton. Families hope this will finally be the beginning of a change at Brighton that will make a difference for their loved ones. Brighton Rehab also responded to a request for comment about Lamb’s concerns. A public relations company sent a statement saying Brighton shares the sense of urgency to get COVID-19 under control at their facility and welcomes help from additional PPE to training.