A Clermont nurse has been arrested and charged with abuse and neglect of a disabled adult, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced on Wednesday.
Elaine M. Wade, 48, who is a nurse at the Lake Correctional Institution has been under investigation for the past three months, since an incident in which a mentally disabled inmate was badly burned in the shower.
Investigators say, Wade provided initial medical treatment on the day of the incident, but failed to properly assess the severity of the burns and properly document the inmate’s worsening condition. Wade failed to provide appropriate levels of care, investigators said.
The inmate was taken to a hospital on November 29, where he was found to be suffering from first and second degree burns on 25 to 35 percent of his body, dehydration and low blood pressure, FDLE said.
Wade was taken to the Lake County Jail and bond set at $2,000. She was charged with abuse, aggravated abuse and neglect of an elderly person and disabled adult, a third degree felony.
