HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that exit signage was not clear. Findings include:

A tour of the Helen Graham Cancer Center on 1/21/11 revealed the following:

1. Cancer Center (back entrance) - Upon exiting the back door, the exit way was not clearly marked. In addition, the exterior was not kept clear of ice and snow.

This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 9:33 AM on 1/21/11.

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the hospital fire alarm system was not being properly maintained. Findings include:

During a tour of Christiana Hospital on 1/20/11, the following was observed:

Room 1799E - there were two strobes lacking identification stickers

This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A on 1/20/11 at 1:36 PM.

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the automatic sprinkler system was not maintained in compliance with NFPA 25. Findings include:

A tour of Wilmington Hospital on 1/25/11 revealed the following:

1. Room 7277 - sprinkler was missing an escutcheon plate
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 9:10 AM on 1/25/11.

2. Housekeeping closet across from 7150 - had broken ceiling tiles
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 10:00 AM on 1/25/11.

3. Room 3296 - sprinkler was missing an escutcheon plate
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 1:11 PM on 1/25/11.

4. Room 3163 - sprinkler was missing the escutcheon plate
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 1:12 PM on 1/25/11.

5. MRI suite - preaction system was not tagged and was inaccessible due to storage
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 1:43 PM on 1/25/11.

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that medical gases were not stored in accordance with NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. Findings include:

During a tour of Wilmington Hospital on 1/25/11, one (1) unsecured oxygen bottle was observed in room 7290A. This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A on 1/25/11 at 10:03 AM.

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the hospital failed to ensure that electrical equipment was in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electric Code. Findings include:

Observation at 10:03 AM on 1/20/11, revealed that in room 2218 of MAP II, storage was found in front of the electrical panel. Also in room 1204, multiple appliances were plugged into one power strip.

These findings were confirmed by the hospital's Fire Protection Supervisor at the time of discovery.

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR) dispensers were installed over potential ignition sources. Findings include:

Tours conducted at Christiana Hospital on 1/19, 1/20 and 1/21/11 revealed the following:

1. Room 2238 - ABHR dispenser was installed directly above an electrical outlet
This finding was confirmed by the Director of Public Safety and Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 9:45 AM on 1/19/11.

2. In HVIS by area 27 - ABHR dispenser was installed directly above an electrical outlet
This finding was confirmed by the Director of Public Safety and Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 10:19 AM on 1/19/11.

3. In PACU bed A2 - ABHR dispenser was installed directly above an outlet
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 10:29 AM on 1/19/11.

4. ER Room 1838 Treatment A - ABHR dispenser was installed less than 1 inch from the side of an electrical outlet
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 2:21 PM on 1/20/11.

5. ER Room 1844 - ABHR dispenser was installed less than 1 inch from the light switch
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 2:26 PM on 1/20/11.

6. Room LDR16 - ABHR dispenser in the infant area was found to be installed less than 1 inch from the light switch
This finding was confirmed by Mechanical Engineering Manager A at 1:40 PM on 1/21/11.