HospitalInspections.org

During an observation and concurrent interview, on 6/12/12 at 10:30 a.m., on fourth floor Surgical Unit A, Licensed Nurse D stated the unit stocked flashlights for use in the event of power failure. Licensed Nurse D opened a drawer by the handwashing sink at the nurse's station, in the drawer were five flashlights without batteries. The drawer also contained four "D" batteries, enough to make to only two flashlights function.

During review of the facility's policy titled, "Utility Failure-Loss of Power, Emergency Response Plan" dated, October 2009 indicated, "Should there be an electrical system failure, and especially if the generator back-up system should fail...identified equipment and supplies needed to continue to support patient services...include... flashlights..."


28521

Based on observation, interview, and review of the facility's policy the facility failed to maintain a supply of flashlights and batteries throughout the hospital to ensure an acceptable a level of safety in event of emergency situation according to their Emergency Response Plan. This failure had the potential to prohibit staff from providing essential patient care.

Findings:

During an observation with concurrent interview during a tour of the Emergency Department (ED) on 6/11/12 at 2:20 p.m., Licensed Nurse B was asked where the flashlights are located within the ED in the event of an emergency. Licensed Nurse B searched for the flashlights on the adult and pediatric emergency carts, then stated, she had checked before and there were flashlights on the emergency cart. "That's where we always look for them." Administrative Staff A stated, "Maybe we should add the flashlights to the carts."

During an observation with concurrent interview during a tour of the Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit (PACU) on 6/11/12 at 3:40 p.m., Licensed Nurse C located the flashlights; however when asked where the back-up batteries were located for the flashlights Licensed Nurse C could not find any 'D' size batteries.