HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – United Memorial Medical Center in Tidwell was on the verge of losing a critical contract, but the hospital has a second chance.

The UMMC, which has four sites in the Houston area, learned Friday afternoon that its Medicare and Medicaid contract would be extended until Jan. 11, pending a follow-up inspection.

The Department of Health and Human Services said the hospital had “impairments which pose an immediate danger to the health and safety of patients,” rust and cockroaches have been found in and near the wards. operation, and that some nurses were not up to date with their certifications.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also said that despite the proposed corrective measures, the UMMC is non-compliant when it comes to how certain patient medical records are stored, as well as functioning in dirty rooms and the environment. violation of fire safety rules.

“We are still working with all the problems that we have encountered. We solve them. In the future, we will never give up, ”said CEO Dr Farida Moeen.

Member of Parliament Sheila Jackson Lee and hospital officials spoke on the hospital’s status and beyond on Saturday afternoon.

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“I represent this hospital,” said Jackson Lee. “What I do know is that the population in these settings is Hispanic and African American. Some only speak one language. What this hospital was able to do is accommodate them all here. They have one. bilingual staff.

it puts everyone at ease. “

Jackson Lee said she applauds CMS for its work, but after reviewing its documentation she said the information may have been relayed late.

“We kept missing each other. What was happening was the explanations weren’t coming so quickly regarding the challenges,” said Jackson Lee. “One thing I want to recognize, I am not a staff member, I did not have to move here, but saw a great job
like we did during COVID-19. “

She went on to say that the hospital staff never endangered the health of the patients.