In a chilling turn of events, a lawsuit filed on Tuesday unveils shocking allegations that have sent shockwaves through the healthcare community. The lawsuit accuses Heather Pressdee, a former nurse supervisor, of being responsible for a third death, this time at a Lower Burrell nursing home, due to a lethal dose of insulin. Heather had already been charged with the insulin overdose deaths of two patients at a Butler County nursing home, but the latest revelation suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior.
The lawsuit not only exposes Pressdee's alleged ghoulish actions but also casts a spotlight on Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, the facility where she was employed at the time. It claims that the administrators at Belair failed to adequately vet Pressdee before hiring her. What's more, it alleges that they ignored staff concerns about her, even when some colleagues went as far as dubbing her “the killer nurse.” Shockingly, the lawsuit contends that Belair disciplined co-workers who raised concerns about Pressdee's care for residents.
Pittsburgh lawyer Robert Peirce III, representing one of the victim's sons, Scott Hess of Buffalo Township, filed the wrongful death lawsuit. It alleges that Pressdee confessed to giving a lethal dose of insulin to Marianne Bower, a 68-year-old grandmother of seven who did not have diabetes. Bower tragically passed away on September 28, 2021. The revelation of Pressdee's confession raises questions about potential criminal charges in connection with Bower's death.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of Pressdee's arrest in May, when she was charged in the deaths of two male residents at Quality Life Services-Chicora in Butler County. In those cases, Pressdee reportedly admitted to injecting insulin into the victims because she “felt bad” for them due to their declining quality of life.
The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of a nurse who, on the surface, appeared compassionate and caring but allegedly harbored a dark and murderous intent. It also raises serious concerns about the hiring and oversight practices at Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and related corporate entities like Guardian Elder Care.
Robert Peirce III, the lawyer representing the victims' family, expressed his deep dismay upon learning of the allegations against Pressdee. He criticized the apparent lack of proper background checks performed before her hiring and called it a “shocking failure.” Peirce's clients were reportedly devastated by the news, describing their reaction as collapsing to the floor upon receiving the information.
Pressdee's troubled history should have raised alarm bells long before she joined Belair. She had been terminated or forced to resign from multiple nursing homes in Western Pennsylvania due to allegations of abusive behavior towards residents and staff. The lawsuit asserts that her coworkers at Belair quickly grew suspicious when certain patients under her care experienced unexpected deteriorations.
Despite the “killer nurse” rumors circulating among staff, Belair and Guardian Elder Care allegedly chose not to investigate her conduct but instead disciplined those who spoke out. This lawsuit serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of thorough vetting and oversight in healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents.
If you suspect abuse, bring it to the attention of the facility’s staff. If they dismiss your concerns and you still suspect abuse or neglect, contact an experienced attorney today.
Contact our Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorneys at (844) 383-0565.
Related Media Article: https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lawsuit-claims-nurse-killed-3rd-victim-with-insulin-blames-lower-burrell-nursing-home/