HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review, and interview, it was determined that for 4 of 16 rooms (rooms #2206, 2102, 2103 and 2106) observed, the facility failed to ensure broken laundry baskets were not available to patients, posing as a potential danger to patients on assaultive and suicide precautions.
Findings include:
1.During an observational tour on the 2 South unit on 10/29/14, between 10:10 AM and 11:00 AM, four flexible, plastic laundry baskets with broken handles, exposing rough- edged sides were found in rooms 2206, 2102, 2103 and 2106.
2. The census list for 2 South Behavioral Unit was reviewed on 10/29/14 at approximately 10:10 AM. The list included patient names and observation precautions for each of the patient on the list. The census list indicated the patient required the following precautions.
Room 2206: 2 patients, bed 1 on SP (suicide precaution). Bed 2 on AP, (assault precaution).
Room 2102: 2 patients, bed 1 on AP, SP and EP (elopement precaution). Bed 2 was on AP.
Room 2103: Patient on AP, SP and EP.
Room 2105: Patient on AP and EP.
3. The Facility policy titled, " Contraband search and disposal " (revised 12/13) was reviewed on 10/29/14. The policy required, " Patient and their belongings will be search for contraband to ensure safe environment for all patients and staff. ...Rooms Searches: Room checks are conducted at least once each day Whenever contraband or safety hazards are suspected, a thorough room search will be conducted ...Any substance or object found during search which may be injurious to a patient may be defined as contraband .... "
4. The above findings were discussed with the Director of Nursing on 10/29/14 at approximately 11:30 AM, who stated that cracked or broken laundry baskets should be removed from the rooms.