Northwood Rehab's Hood System Remains Non-Operational Amid Compliance Issues

During the Lowell Board of Health meeting on April 2, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the operational status of local health facilities, particularly focusing on Northwood Rehabilitation. The discussion highlighted ongoing issues with equipment compliance, specifically the expiration dates on hood systems, which have led to operational failures.

The report indicated that while some facilities had previously failed inspections due to lack of proper certifications, they have since rectified these issues and are now in good standing. However, Northwood Rehabilitation remains a focal point of concern. The facility's hood system is still non-operational, and its ancillary systems are out of compliance. This situation has persisted for several months, raising alarms about the facility's ability to provide adequate services.

From March 21 to March 25, Northwood faced additional challenges with its sewer system, which forced the facility to serve residents using Styrofoam takeout containers. This limitation severely impacted their ability to provide essential services, such as linen washing for bedding and clothing. Fortunately, by March 25, the sewer issues were resolved, allowing the facility to resume normal operations.

The Board of Health's commitment to monitoring the situation is evident, with regular visits to assess progress. However, the prolonged issues with the hood and ancillary systems at Northwood Rehabilitation underscore the need for urgent attention to ensure compliance and the health and safety of residents. As the Board continues to address these challenges, the community remains hopeful for timely resolutions that will restore full operational capacity at local health facilities.