HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure equipment is maintained to ensure a level of safety and quality as evidenced by the inspection of pediatric airway boxes which revealed the macgill forceps was not stored in a protective sterile or clean pouch. This was observed in 1 of 2 pediatric airway boxes maintained in the radiology/nuclear medicine department.

The findings included:

An observation tour was conducted of the Radiology and Nuclear medicine departments of the hospital on 02/02/17 at approximately 10:30 AM. The Director and the Manager of Imaging services accompanied the surveyor. A request was made of staff to open the pediatric airway box located in the imaging department. Contents of the box revealed, on the top shelf, a large forceps. The forceps was not stored in any type of protective pouch and was directly touching (2) C batteries. The staff was questioned as to the use of the forceps and were unable to answer. The Director of the Department called for a nurse from the Emergency Department (ED) to respond and answer the question. Within 2 minutes a Registered Nurse (RN) working in the ED arrived in the imaging area. The ED nurse stated, "That is a magill forceps, used to assist in intubation or airway issues." The RN further responded that the instrument should be in a sterile package or at least a clean package.

Magill forceps are angled forceps used to guide the endotracheal tube into the laryngeal inlet during nasotracheal intubation or a nasogastric tube into the esophagus under direct vision. It is also used to place pharyngeal packs and removal of foreign bodies.

At the time of exit on 02/02/17, the findings were confirmed by the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who stated that all the forceps in the intubation boxes should be wrapped and sterilized.