HospitalInspections.org

Intakes: TN00028899

Based on policy review, observation and interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure dietary staff followed facility policy for hair restraints and infection control related to hand washing.

The findings included:

1. Review of the facility policy, "Hair Restraints" documented, "POLICY:All Nutrition Services employee, any/all hospital staff and delivery personnel must hairnets or caps while in the kitchen or cafeteria food service areas...PROCEDURE...2...All hair must be pinned up and away from face..."

Review of the facility policy,"Hand Washing" documented, POLICY: All Nutrition Services staff will follow proper hand washing techniques as part of the Infection Control Program. PURPOSE: To maintain infection control standards and prevent food born illness. PROCEDURE 1. Wash hands using hot water and soap for 20 seconds....use these paper towels to turn off the water, not your clean hands. Discard paper towels into trash container, equipped with foot release. 2. Proper hand washing should be followed:...(f) After working with garbage or opening garbage cans..."



2. Observations in the kitchen on 1/11/12 revealed the following:
a. 10:05 AM-Dietary employee #1 worked in the salad/dessert area with her bangs hanging down out of her hair restraint.
b. 10:10 AM-Dietary employee #1 worked in the salad/dessert area washed hands, then dried hands with paper towels. Employee #1 then walked across the room and lifted the garbage can lid with bare hands and disposed of paper towels. She then returned to salad preparation area, put on clean gloves and continued with salad preparations.
c. 10:17 AM-Dietary employee #4 reached into her pant pocket with gloves on her hands, then continued to prepare food without washing her hands or changing gloves.
d. 10:20 AM- Dietary employees' #2, 3 and 4 worked in the kitchen preparing food with their bangs out of their hair restraint
c. 11:35 AM- Dietary employee #3 prepared lunch trays with her bangs hanging down out of her hair restraint and Dietary employee #4 laid bacon onto a pan with her bangs uncovered by the hair restraint.

Observations in the cafeteria on 1/11/12 at 11:27 AM revealed Cashier #2 made change for a customer, removed the outer wrapping of a bundle of napkins, placed the napkins in the napkin holder, took the outer wrapping of the napkin to the trash can, pushed the trash down with her hand and returned to the cash register. Cashier #2 again made change for a customer, then removed plastic spoons and placed them into the dispenser. Cashier #2 did not wash her hands or use hand sanitizer.

3. During an interview on 1/11/12 at 10:05 AM, the Dietary Manager was asked if the hair uncovered by the hair restraint was acceptable. He stated, "Probably shouldn't be [uncovered] I'll be honest with you.

During an interview on 1/11/12 at 11:41 AM, the Dietary Manager was asked if lifting the lid of a garbage can after washing hands was within acceptable procedure. He stated, "No, it was not acceptable. Thank-you for bringing it to my attention. We should have a foot pedal garbage can in that area too." The Dietary Manager further verified that the cashiers should wash their hands after taking an item to the trash and/or handling money, before stocking supplies and utensils in the cafeteria.