NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT
Over 2 years since last inspection. Current conditions may differ from available data.
Norton Community Hospital SNF Unit has received a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good choice for families considering nursing homes. It ranks #93 out of 285 facilities in Virginia, placing it in the top half, and is #2 out of 3 in Wise County, meaning there is only one local option that is better. However, the facility is trending in a worsening direction, with issues increasing from 7 in 2018 to 8 in 2021. Staffing is a notable strength, rated 5 out of 5 stars with a low turnover rate of 14%, much better than the state average of 48%. Additionally, there are no fines on record, which is a positive sign. On the downside, there have been specific concerns regarding hygiene practices. For instance, staff failed to ensure that sanitizing solutions were at acceptable levels, risking contamination of food for all residents. Also, there were cleanliness issues in the kitchen, such as food slicers and mixers being improperly maintained, and the dumpster area was not kept clean, with open lids and trash around the site. While the facility has strong staffing and no fines, these hygiene concerns highlight areas that need improvement.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Virginia
- #93/285
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 14% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 34 points below Virginia's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Virginia facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 234 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Virginia nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 36 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
Low Staff Turnover (14%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (14%)
34 points below Virginia average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 36 deficiencies on record
Apr 2021
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to ensure Resident (R)23's assessment accurately reflected gradual dose reduction attempts for an antipsychotic. This failure affected o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, record review and facility policy/procedure review the facility failed to ensure a resident's Port-A-Cath (a...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure the correct physician'...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interview the facility failed to ensure residents who received antipsychotic medications had a gradual dose reduction attempt at least annually. This failure affected ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and facility policy review the facility failed to ensure expired medications were removed from the medication cart and the medication storage room. This deficient pract...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, menu review, and staff interview the facility failed to follow the menu selected for the residents. This affected three (Resident (R) 2, R20, R23) of 25 residents in the facility...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, record review, and facility policy review the facility failed to ensure the scissors, used by t...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to ensure the sanitizing solution was maintained at an acceptable level to sanitize food contact surfaces; and failed to pe...
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Sept 2018
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, and clinical record review, the facility staff failed to protect the private health care ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, clinical record review, and facility document review the facility staff failed to follow professional ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, clinical record review, and facility document review, the facility staff failed to coordinate care wit...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on staff interview and clinical record review, the facility staff failed to ensure one of 15 Residents were free from unnecessary medications, Resident #30.
The findings included.
The facility...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on staff interview and clinical record review, the facility staff failed to ensure two of 15 Residents, were free of significant medication errors, Residents #14 and #30.
The findings included....
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2. The facility staff failed to ensure the medication cart was locked when unattended.
On 09/05/18 at approximately 8:19 a.m., surveyor #1 observed RN ( registered nurse) #1 during a medication admin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, clinical record review, and facility document review, the facility staff failed to ensure...
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Jun 2017
21 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0157
(Tag F0157)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, and clinical record review, the facility staff failed to notify the physician of a change in condition...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0164
(Tag F0164)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and staff interview the facility staff failed to ensure personal privacy was provided for 1 of 13 Residents...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0241
(Tag F0241)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and staff interview the facility staff failed to provided dignity and respect during a Resident meeting.
The findings included:
The facility staff failed to provide respect to Res...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0279
(Tag F0279)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. For Resident #3, the facility staff failed to develop a care plan for return to community.
Resident #3 was admitted to the fa...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0280
(Tag F0280)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on family interview, facility document review, and clinical record review, the facility staff failed to invite the respons...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0281
(Tag F0281)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, facility document review and clinical record review the facility staff failed to follow p...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0309
(Tag F0309)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview and clinical record review the facility staff failed to follow physician's orders for 2 of...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0431
(Tag F0431)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview and clinical record review the facility staff failed to ensure proper labeling of medicati...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0441
(Tag F0441)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview and facility document review the facility staff failed to follow facility established proc...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0500
(Tag F0500)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and clinical record review the facility staff failed to ensure a current contract for dialysis services...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0502
(Tag F0502)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and clinical record review the facility staff failed to obtain a physician ordered laboratory test for ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0514
(Tag F0514)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and clinical record review the facility staff failed to maintain a complete and accurate clinical recor...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0272
(Tag F0272)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and clinical record review the facility staff failed to ensure an accurate comprehensive MDS (minimum d...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0329
(Tag F0329)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 4. For Resident #4 the facility staff failed to monitor heart rate per physician's orders.
Resident #4 was admitted to the facil...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0425
(Tag F0425)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, facility document review and clinical record review the facility staff failed to ensure physician orde...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0371
(Tag F0371)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility staff failed to ensure a clean, sanitary kitchen environment with food items stored appropriately.
The findings include:
The initial tour of the ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0372
(Tag F0372)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility staff failed to ensure the dumpster area was clean and free of debris with lids closed.
The findings include:
The facility staff failed to ensure...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0520
(Tag F0520)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on staff interview and facility document review the facility staff failed to ensure a quality assurance program to meet the needs of the facility
The findings included:
The facility staff failed...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0167
(Tag F0167)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations, staff interviews, and facility document review, it was determined that the facility staff failed to post survey results in a location that was accessible to all residents.
The f...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0334
(Tag F0334)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on staff interview and facility document review, the facility staff failed to ensure the last requirement for the Federal regulation was addressed in the policy for both influenza and pneumococc...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0356
(Tag F0356)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and staff interview, the facility staff failed to post complete and accurate daily nurse staffing information with the appropriate hours worked and staff present.
The findings inc...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Virginia facilities.
- • 14% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 34 points below Virginia's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 36 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered above average nationally. Within Virginia, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit Staffed?
CMS rates NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 14%, compared to the Virginia average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit?
State health inspectors documented 36 deficiencies at NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT during 2017 to 2021. These included: 33 with potential for harm and 3 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit?
NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility is operated by BALLAD HEALTH, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 44 certified beds and approximately 8 residents (about 18% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in NORTON, Virginia.
How Does Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit Compare to Other Virginia Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Virginia, NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (14%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 4-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Virginia. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit Stick Around?
Staff at NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 14%, the facility is 31 percentage points below the Virginia average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 14%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit Ever Fined?
NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Norton Community Hospital Snf Unit on Any Federal Watch List?
NORTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SNF UNIT is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.