HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure a system for controlling infections and communicable diseases of patients and personnel by storing soiled blood pressure cuffs, dirty meal trays, meal tray cart and soiled commode chairs in the Bio Hazard Room.

Findings include:

On 11/28/2016 the State Hot Line received an Anonymous Complaint from a caller who reported that the facility's biohazard waste was being dumped in the compactor in the evenings from 5:00 p.m. to midnight and on weekends.

On 11/29/2016 an unannounced visit was made to the facility at approximately 2:00 p.m. The following environmental observations were made with the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President Administration Services and Patient Safety/Risk Management:

Observation of the seventh floor soiled utility room on 11/29/16 at 2:30 revealed: two closed red plastic containers of infectious medical waste with biohazard written on the sides of the containers, and soiled blood pressure cuffs contained in two blue containers.

Observation of the sixth floor soiled utility room on 11/29/16 at 2:35 p.m. revealed: two closed red plastic containers of infectious medical waste with biohazard written on the sides, and two dirty meal trays.

Observation of the fifth floor soiled utility room on 11/29/16 at 2:40 p.m. revealed: two closed red plastic containers of infectious medical waste with biohazard written on the sides, six soiled meal trays placed on a meal cart, and two containers of soiled blood pressure cuffs,

Observation of the second floor soiled utility room on 11/29/16 at 2:45 p.m. revealed: two covered red containers of infectious medical waste with biohazard written on the sides, twelve soiled meal trays on a meal tray cart, and three soiled commode chairs.

Observation of the Emergency Department on 11/29/16 at 2:50 p.m. revealed: one closed red container of infectious medical waste with biohazard written on the side, and three soiled commode chairs.

An interview with Environmental Services Technician #3 on 11/29/16 at 3:10 p.m. revealed that he was routinely assigned to transport red infectious medical waste, trash or linen from the soiled utility room to the appropriate locations on the loading. Three (3) staff members are assigned the responsibility of transporting Infectious Medical Waste and regular waste from the soiled utility rooms on all seven floors to the appropriate locations on the loading dock.

An interview with Housekeeping Employee #1 on 11/30/16 at 10:45 a.m. revealed that Housekeeping staff take trash to the soiled utility rooms. Nursing staff take dirty meal trays, soiled blood pressure cuffs, and commode chairs to the soiled utility rooms. Dietary staff removes dirty trays from the soiled utility rooms.