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Based on observation, document review and interview, the Emergency Department (ED) did not ensure patient environmental safety was maintained. This was evident in the unsecured storage of suture needles, intravenous (IV) needles, blood draw needles and lumbar puncture kits found in three of seven cabinets located in patient treatment rooms and hallways.

These lapses in environmental safety places patients and visitors at increased safety risks.

Findings:

Observations in the facility's ED during a tour between 10:00 am and 12:15 pm on 2/27/17 identified the following:

In "Rapid Access" room #5, a cabinet containing boxes of suture needles was unlocked. An unused IV needle and blood draw needle were found on the counter top with a patient present in the room.

In the "Midway to Gold" area hallway, an unlocked cabinet containing five lumbar puncture trays was observed, with a patient sitting directly in front of the cabinet without a staff member in close proximity.

In the ambulance entrance hallway, a supply cabinet containing unopened IV needles was unlocked.

During interview with Staff E and Staff G who were present at the time of these observations, they both acknowledged that the cabinets should have been locked.

During observation of the ED "Midway to Gold" hallway the following day, on 2/28/17 at 10:00 am, the same cabinet was still unsecured with the same supplies. This was confirmed by Staff G who immediately asked staff to remove the items.

The facility's Policy and Procedures titled "Sharps Safety Devices" last revised 12/2016, contained the following statement: "Sharps products, e.g., needles, syringes with needles, are to be maintained in a secured manner, e.g., under staff control, in locked cabinets, drawers."