HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure the maintenance of a sanitary environment and update policies and procedures regarding the management of biohazardous waste. Findings include:

During a tour on 12/28/10 at 12:00 PM of the Osgood I unit with the Environmental Safety officer, the Unit Clinical Manager and the Director of Quality Regulatory Services, it was confirmed the hospital did not utilize impervious containers for the storage of contaminated waste (blood/bodily fluid). A used unmarked cardboard box observed in the housekeeping closet was identified by the Clinical Manager for Osgood I as a container in which contaminated waste and trash would be placed (co-mingled) awaiting housekeeping department pick up for disposal. Further discussion with Administrative staff confirmed the hospital does not provide leak resistant containers for the storage of contaminated waste on each of the patient units. In addition, the box observed on Osgood I was inappropriate and should not have been used. Per current procedures, after cleaning up a blood/body fluid spill, staff deposit the waste in a marked biohazard bag which is placed on the floor in the housekeeping closet for eventual pick up by housekeeping staff. Per interview on 12/29/10 at 10:00 AM, the Infection Control coordinator confirmed the present policy/procedure (Blood/Body Fluid Spills Cleaning Procedure last revised 2003) does not provide for the proper containment of contaminated materials as recommended per the CDC Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities 2003.