HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to promote care for 1 of 25 (#19)patients in a manner and in an environment that enhances dignity by failing to ensure that a patient had a cover for a Foley catheter bag.

Findings:

During observation on 03/14/2012 at 9:00 AM, it was observed that patient #19 had been placed in a Geri-Chair in the patient's activity day room, with seven other patient's and staff present in the room.

During an initial observation on 03/14/2012 at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM, a catheter bag, filled with urine was visible from the doorway, during the time that patient #19 was placed in a Geri-chair in the activity day room.

The Infection Control Nurse was interviewed on 03/14/2012 at 10:30 AM and she confirmed there was no privacy bag over the Foley catheter bag for patient #19. She stated she did not have a catheter bag.

Based on observation, interview, and review of the facility's Policy and Procedures, the facility failed to ensure they followed their own policies and procedures regarding the removal of outdated or otherwise unusable drugs and biologicals.

Findings:

1. Observation on 03/13/2012 at 9:30 AM revealed 2 bags of medications in a large plastic bag on the floor in the corner of the medication room on the Older Adult Unit (OAU).

2. Interview with the Nurse Manager on 03/13/2012 at 10:00 AM revealed that patients should be receiving their personal medications to be returned to them upon discharge. If they don't get returned to the patient, then they are locked in the medication room, and every month these medications are suppose to be given to the pharmacist. She further stated that the facility gives the patients 30 days to claim these medications.

3. Observation on 03/13/2012 at 10:30 AM revealed 1 bag of medications in a large plastic bag, locked in the cabinet of the medication room, on the Elder Crisis Unit (ECU).

4. Review of the medications revealed that the belonged to the following 9 patients that had been discharge greater that 3 months ago.
Patient #1 -Discharged 11/09/2011
Patient #2- Discharged 10/05/2011
Patient #4 -Discharged 11/16/2011
Patient #7- Discharged 12/16/2011
Patient #9- Discharged 11/29/2011
Patient #10 -Discharged 07/26/2011
Patient #11- Discharged 04/22/2011
Patient #12 -Discharged 12/04/2011
Patient #13- Discharged 12/07/2011

5. Review of the facility's Policy and Procedures titled Patient Discharge revealed the following:
#13- Nurse will give the patient their own medications if medications were brought from home and stored during hospitalization. Medications left following discharge will be held for three months; if patient does not claim the medications during this time frame period, then the medications will be sent to pharmacy for destruction.