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Based on observations and staff interviews, hospital staff failed to demonstrate proper infection control practices by failing to clean patient equipment (blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter and thermometer) after patient use in 4 of 5 observations.

Findings include:

Observation on 01/06/2021 at 1115 revealed the triage nurse completed triage on a patient and escorted the patient back to the waiting room. Observation failed to reveal that the triage nurse cleaned the area or equipment used.

Observation on 01/06/2021 at 1122 revealed the triage nurse completed triage on a patient and escorted the patient back to the waiting room. Observation failed to reveal that the triage nurse cleaned the area or equipment used.

Observation on 01/06/2021 at 1123 revealed the triage nurse completed triage on a patient from the area in the waiting room where COVID or PUI (persons under investigation) waited. Observation failed to reveal that the triage nurse cleaned the area or equipment used.

Observation on 01/06/2021 at 1128 revealed the triage nurse completed triage on a patient and escorted the patient back to the waiting room. Observation failed to reveal that the triage nurse cleaned the area or equipment used.

Observation on 01/06/2021 at 1129 revealed the triage nurse completed triage on a COVID positive patient and escorted the patient back to the waiting room. Observation revealed the triage nurse disinfected the area and equipment used with disinfecting wipes. Interview at 1134 with the triage nurse revealed she cleaned after all COVID patients and "If I get time I try to clean after every patient, but definitely after COVID patients."

Interview on 01/06/2021 at 1136 with the ED manager revealed it was her expectation for staff to disinfect the area and equipment used after each patient use.

Interview on 01/06/2021at 1310 with the Chief Nursing Officer revealed it was her expectation for staff to disinfect the area and equipment used after each patient use.

NC00171727