HospitalInspections.org

Based on findings from interview and document review, in 2 of 2 medical records (MRs) reviewed (Patients A and B) nursing staff documented that the patients received a Welcome Packet (which includes a "Your Rights as a Hospital Patient" booklet that contains the New York State Patients' Bill of Rights statement) even though they did not.

Findings include:

--Per interview of Patients A and B on 3/5/15 at 11:00 am and 11:40 am, respectively, both indicated they had not received the "Your Rights as a Hospital Patient" booklet.

--Per review of the MRs of Patients A and B, it was documented they had received their Welcome Packets.

--Per interview with Nurse Manager of 4N/4S on 3/5/15 at 4:00 pm, the Welcome Packets contain "Your Rights as a Hospital Patient" booklet, as well as basic information about the hospital and services it provides. Housekeepers place the Welcome Packets on the overbed table in a patient's room after they have terminally cleaned a room so it is there for the next patient.

However, per interview of Environmental Services Staff (ESS) #1 and ESS #2 on 3/5/15 at 3:30 and 3:40 pm, respectively, they do not place the Welcome Packets on the overbed tables.

--During interview with the Director of Environmental Services on 3/5/15 at 3:45 pm, he/she indicated that housekeeping staff are supposed to put Welcome Packets on overbed tables but also acknowledged the findings above indicating they were not doing this.