HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to uphold the right to receive care in a safe setting and protect from harm 23 patients (total current patient census on unit) in the Adult Meadows Unit, by allowing objects to be present on the unit which had the potential to cause harm by being used as weapons.

There were a total of 18 chairs in the unit that were not weighted and could have easily been picked-up and used to hit or throw at people. There were two patients on the unit who were currently on Assault Precautions (Patient #2 and Patient #3).

Findings included:

TX00305599

Record review of facility policy titled "Patient Bill of Rights", policy 5364515, last revised 11/2017, stated Basic Rights for All Patients; that patients had the right to an environment protected from harm.

Observation on 2/13/19 at 10:15 AM of facility's general adult unit ("Meadows" unit) showed there were 18 chairs present in the common area dayroom which were not weighted-down and were easy for the majority of patients to pick-up and possibly use as a weapons. The chairs had metal frames and padded vinyl seat and back covers.

In an interview on 2/13/19 at 10:30 with Staff PCA (Patient Care Assistant) #54, he stated there were currently two patients on Assault Precautions (Patient #2 and Patient #3). Record review during this time confirmed that both of these patients were currently on Assault Precautions.

In an interview on 2/13/19 at 10:30, Quality Director Staff #51 stated that the chairs had already been identified as a safety risk and the facility was actively working on replacing all of them.