HospitalInspections.org

Based on staff interview and policy review, the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) failed to develop a plan to ensure adequate water availability in the event of an emergency. This had the potential to affect all patients and staff of the CAH.

Findings include: During review of the CAH's emergency policies it was noted there was an agreement in place for delivery of a water tankard in case of an interruption in normal water supply and a Culligan (local water service) water delivery. However, the disaster planning policies lacked determination of estimated amounts of potable/non-potable water required for use by patients and various CAH departments. It was further noted that the dietary department had an off-site location from the main hospital campus. A plan/procedure had not been developed that included water distribution by staff.

During interview with the Maintenance/Safety manager at 9:00 a.m. on 5/17/11, he confirmed that a plan which specified amounts of water required by various CAH departments in the the event of an emergency loss of water, had not been determined to provide for both potable and non-potable needs. During further interview with the Maintenance/Safety manager at 8:30 a.m. on 5/19/11, he stated he had already initiated a process to calculate the required potable/non-potable water needed in an emergency situation.

Interview with the administrator at 9:00 a.m. on 5/19/11, verified the CAH lacked a written plan /policy for specific amounts of water (potable/non-potable) that would be required for use during an emergency situation. The administrator stated that a plan would be developed immediately.