Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state Department of Public Health will activate a public hotline for callers who have questions about Haven Healthcare Homes.  Starting on Thursday, November 22, 2007, the public can call 1-800-830-9426 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to speak to a representative of the Department of Public Health. 

The public should contact this number if they have questions or concerns about care provided at any of the 15 Haven Health care facilities in Connecticut. 

“The health, welfare and safety of Haven residents is my foremost concern,” Governor Rell said.  “While the company’s bankruptcy status should have no impact on patients, it is certainly understandable that members of the public may have questions or concerns about loved ones under Haven Health’s care.

 “Particularly over this holiday weekend, relatives may be visiting family members in one of the Haven facilities.  The hotline will ensure that they have the opportunity to raise any issues they may have and to report any conditions that concern them.”

The Department of Public Health (DPH) has increased its ongoing onsite monitoring of all Haven homes.  Yesterday, DPH issued a summary order to suspend admissions at Haven Health of Waterford.  In addition, upon request by the Department of Social Services, Michael Lipnicki, Chief Financial Officer of Haven, assured that adequate funds are currently available to meet payroll obligations this week and that no new utility shutoff or vendor supply termination notices have been received.

The Department of Social Services is expediting the review of the financial condition of Haven.  Audit staff met with Haven executives on Monday and received additional financial information.  That information is being analyzed and staff is scheduled to inspect more financial materials at Haven offices in Middletown early next week.