HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interviews and policy review the facility failed to implement their policy for controlling the spread of infections during 1 of 1 observations of patient care. (patient #6)

The findings include:

On 3/22/2011 at approximately 10:42 AM the lab staff was observed performing venous blood collection on patient #6. Hand washing facilities were located in the patient room and alcohol based hand rub was located just outside the patient room in the hallway. The lab staff removed her gloves after the procedure and left the patient room. The lab staff did not wash or sanitize her hands after the procedure was performed.
An interview was conducted with the lab staff member observed on 3/22/2011 at approximately 10:50 AM. The lab staff member acknowledged she had failed to wash or sanitize her hands after removing her gloves and stated she preferred to use water instead of alcohol based hand rub. She further stated the facility hot water was not working properly.
An interview was conducted with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) on 3/22/2011 at approximately 1:51 PM. The CNO stated she would expect staff to perform hand hygiene after performing care.
The facility policy for hand hygiene (reference # 2102 effective June 2009) was reviewed on 3/22/2011. The policy states all personnel will use the hand-hygiene techniques always after removing gloves and to avoid using hot water for hand-hygiene because repeated use of hot water may increase the healthcare worker's risk for dermatitis.