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1221 WHIPPLE ST

EAU CLAIRE, WI 54703

Corridors - Areas Open to Corridor

Tag No.: K0361

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to provide corridor wall separations as required in NFPA 101 (2012 edition) Sections 19.3.6 and 19.3.6.1(1)(a). This deficient practice has the potential to affect all emergency department patients, as well as an undetermined number of staff and visitors.

Findings include:

On 07/02/2025 at 1:38 pm, observation in the emergency department corridors revealed that the facility has created five patient care beds, and one patient care chair, located within the corridor. Each of the six patient care locations are provided with a privacy curtain, nurse call device, emergency power receptacles, and signage identifying the beds as "A" through "F". The hospital has interim life safety plans and policies posted in the emergency department regarding the corridor bed locations. When asked if the beds are ever used for sleeping, Staff E stated, "Yes, sometimes if needed."

This finding was confirmed at the time of discovery by a concurrent interview with Staff A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

Draperies, Curtains, and Loosely Hanging Fabr

Tag No.: K0751

Based on observation and interview, the facility did not provide drapery material in accordance with NFPA 101 (2012 edition), sections 19.7.5, 19.7.5.1, and 10.3.1. This deficiency has the potential to affect 8 patients, as well as an undetermined number of staff and visitors.

Findings include:

On 07/02/2025 at 1:51 pm, observation in the ambulance garage of the patient care bed privacy screens, revealed that the privacy screens were made of an un-marked white plastic material that did not include a label stating that the material meets NFPA 701 requirements. When asked if the plastic materials used were fire retardant treated, Staff A responded "No, they are general plastic products." All 8 of the beds in the ambulance garage were surrounded on three sides by the plastic screens.

This finding was confirmed at the time of discovery by a concurrent interview with Staff A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.

Electrical Systems - Receptacles

Tag No.: K0912

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to provide electrical receptacles in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 99 (2012 edition), sections 6.3.2.2.6.2(A) and 6.4.2.2.4.2(3)(a)&(d).

This deficient practice has the potential to affect 15 patients and an undetermined number of staff and visitors.

Findings include:

1) On 07/02/2025 at 1:30 pm, observation of the nurse triage station located in the emergency department waiting room, revealed that the nurse's triage computer, that was being used to enter patient medical information, was plugged into a normal power receptacle without emergency backup power.

2) On 07/02/2025 at 1:49 pm, observation in the ambulance garage of a patient care bed, revealed that only four emergency power receptacles are located at each patient care location.

These findings were confirmed at the times of discovery by concurrent interviews with Staff A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.