HospitalInspections.org

Based on staff interview and document review, the facility did not implement comprehensive policies and procedures for terminal cleaning and disinfection of patient rooms. Specific reference is made to the fact that the cubicle curtains are not removed or disinfected during a terminal disinfection of a patient room after patient discharge.

Findings include:
During interview on 06/21/2018 at approximately 2:00 PM, Staff A, Environmental Services Worker stated that the environmental service staff do not remove or disinfect the cubicle curtains on a regular basis during terminal disinfection of patient rooms.
Upon interview with Staff T, Support Service Manager, on 06/21/2018 at approximately 3:00 PM, it was revealed that the cubicle curtain product is antimicrobial and therefore the facility decided not to change them after every patient discharge from a room.
Review of the facility's Environmental Services Policy and Procedure, revealed that the facility did not have a written policy regarding curtain changes after a regular patient discharge.

During follow-up interview on 06/22/2018 at approximately 3:00PM, Staff T stated that the cubicle curtains from inpatient rooms were removed for cleaning and replaced every 6 months and every 4 months in the Emergency Department.
Review of the manufacturer's ( Curtain Care) recommendation revealed that "Cubicle Curtains need to be changed when- visible soil is present, after an isolation discharge, curtains get wet for any reason, according to service schedule."
Review of the facility's infection Control policies for terminal disinfection of patient rooms revealed that the facility did not have written policies to guide the staff on the required frequency for the change of curtains.