HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the CAH failed to ensure that there was a system in place for identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infections and communicable diseases in patients. This deficient practice was evidenced by: 1) failing to maintain a sanitary environment and 2) failing to ensure that the x-ray and CT tables were disinfected after each patient use.
Findings:

1) Failing to maintain a sanitary environment

On 10/24/17 at 11:00 a.m., tour of the CAH inpatient unit revealed the following observations in the following rooms that were empty, cleaned and ready for new patients:
- Room a had a dead lizard and a hair ball in the floor by the bed
- Room b had a dead insect in the drawer of the overbed table
- Room c had a dried red spot on the top sheet of the bed
- Room d had multiple black hairs on the bottom of the shower floor
On 10/26/17 at 11:30 a.m., an interview with S3 DON confirmed that the above rooms were ready for patient use and would need to be cleaned again before a patient was admitted to them.

2) Failing to ensure that the x-ray and CT tables were disinfected after each patient use

On 10/25/17 at 10:30 a.m., observation of the radiology unit revealed it included one x-ray table and one CT table. At that time, S1Rad Tech was asked how she disinfected the tables after patient use and she stated that she pours alcohol on the table and wipes with a dry washcloth. When asked if there was any disinfectant cleaner available, she stated that disinfectant wipes are available in the radiology unit, but she prefers to use the alcohol. She further revealed that this is the procedure that she uses on the x-ray table and the CT table after each patient use.

On 10/25/17 at 11:30 a.m., interview with S2Radiology Director revealed that disinfectant wipes should be used on the x-ray and CT table after each patient use. She further stated that she was aware that some staff use alcohol to clean the tables because the disinfectant wipes leave the tables sticky.