HospitalInspections.org

Based on policy and procedure review and observation, it was determined the facility failed to assure two of two patient care rooms were cleaned using the "clean area to contaminated area" technique per Facility policy. Failure to assure rooms were cleaned per policy did not ensure a clean and sanitary environment for patient care. The failed practice had the potential to affect any patient who would be receiving care in the Facility. Findings follow:
A. Review of the policy and procedure titled "Seven Step Cleaning Procedure" on 05/30/19 showed "Damp wipe from perceived clean areas to contaminated areas, i.e. tops to bottoms .....".
B. Observation on 05/30/19 at 10:05 AM showed Environmental Tech #1 cleaning Emergency Exam Room # 3 using a damp cloth cleaning all surface areas without following the "clean areas to contaminated areas" process. Examples:
1. Using a damp cloth, cleaned side cabinet of sink all the way to the floor (cloth touching the floor) back up to top of cabinet. Cleaned inside sink area then cleaned patient monitor screen, over bed lamp, and patient eye and ear assessment equipment with no change of cloth or gloves.
2. After changing the cloth, cleaned bedside chair going from top to bottom (cloth touching the floor) then back up cleaning chair top again, then cleaned the information wall sign, and the top of linen cart to bottom of cart with no change of gloves or cloth.
C. Observation on 05/30/19 at 1:00 PM showed Environmental Tech #2 cleaning Medical Surgical room # 3 bed 2 (Bed 2 a discharged patient bed) bed #1 an unoccupied clean bed. A damp cloth was used cleaning all surface areas without following the "clean areas to contaminated area" process. Examples:
1. Emptied trash can and removed bag of trash, sprayed cleaner over surfaces, (did not change gloves), cleaned bathroom door from top to bottom (cloth touching the floor), cleaned bathroom sink, then bathroom mirror with no change of cloth or gloves.
2. With damp cloth, cleaned top of bed 2 then bottom of bed, wheels, then cleaned unoccupied (bed 1) railings on right side of bed and Television monitor with no change of cloth or gloves.
D. The Housekeeping Supervisor on 05/20/19 at 1:45 PM verified the above findings in A, B, and C.