HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to maintain a safe environment when 3 (three) out of 3 (three) rooms were found to have copious amounts of dust on the facility's patient bathroom air vents. The possible exposure to dirt and dust places patients at risk of respiratory discomfort, illness, and infections. (Las Palmas patient rooms 507, 598, and 518)

Findings include:

Observations were made in the Del Sol Administrative conference room on the afternoon of 4/09/24, in the presence of the Las Palmas CNO during a virtual call. Staff #12, Las Palmas nurse manager, was asked to enter several patient rooms to check the air vent cleanliness.
A tour of three inpatient rooms revealed copious amounts of gray debris inside the patient's bathroom air vents in room 507, 508. And 518. The air vents were located directly above the patient's toilets.

During an interview on the afternoon of 4/09/24, in the Del Sol Administrative conference room, Staff #6, Las Palmas CNO confirmed the dirty air vents. When asked who was responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, Staff #6 stated, "The EVS (environmental services) clean the patient rooms, if they see something broken or if they can't access the vents, they will put in a work order; facilities will have to remove the vents to clean them ...The vents look like they have been painted, creating rough edges."

During an interview on the afternoon of 4/09/24, in the Del Sol Administrative conference room, Staff #10, Las Palmas Engineering/Facilities director stated in part, "EVS is responsible for the exterior, if they see dust inside, when they are dusting, they need to put a work order in. We do monthly rounding." When asked if the bathroom vents are part of the rounding, Staff # stated, "They must not look up."

During an interview on the afternoon of 4/09/24, in the Del Sol Administrative conference room, Staff #14, Las Palmas EVS director stated in part, "The superficial areas is us, anything inside my staff will report it to us, me or my manager will put in the work order. We do the inspections; I have a few new employees."

Review of the facility provided policy, "RI 115 Notification of Patient Rights and Responsibilities, (last reviewed dated 1/2016) reflected, "Access to Services, To safe, secure and sanitary accommodation ..."

EC 720 Indoor Air Quality Plan Dated (last reviewed 11/5/21) "PURPOSE:
To assist the facilities in achieving an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program that protects patients,
visitors, employees, and other building occupants and complies with implied and/or published
recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (TJC) and other regulatory
agencies.
POLICY:
A. The Environment of Care will provide oversight as the facility IAQ Team."