HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of hospital policy and procedures, observation during tours, patient and staff interviews, the hospital staff failed to ensure the patients' privacy for 5 of 5 inpatient units toured (1A, 1C, 2A, 2C and CCU).

The findings include:

Review of the hospital's policy, "Patient Rights and Responsibilities", revised 11/2012, revealed, "...All (Name of Hospital) patients have a right to: ...Expect privacy with regards to your care. ...".

Observation during tours of inpatient units on 06/17/2014 through 06/18/2014 revealed patients' first and last names on the outside of the patient room.

Interview on 06/18/2014 at 0915 with Patient #9 revealed the patient was admitted on 06/10/2014 with intestinal obstruction. Interview revealed Patient #9 was not asked for permission to place his first and last name outside of his hospital room on unit 1C.

Interview on 06/18/2014 at 0945 with Patient #11 revealed the patient was admitted on 06/16/2014 for a hip replacement. Interview revealed Patient #11 was not asked for permission to place her first and last name outside of her hospital room #155.

Interview on 06/18/2014 at 0947 with Patient #12 revealed the patient was admitted on 06/16/2014 with paralysis. Interview revealed Patient #12 was not asked for permission to place his first and last name outside of his hospital room #138.

Interview on 06/18/2014 at 0950 with Administrative Nursing Staff #1 revealed the names have always been on the doors. Interview revealed, "we talked about removing them but the physicians really want the names there. It's convenient for them". Interview revealed, "I don't think the patients are asked about it".

Interview on 06/18/2014 at 1030 with Administrative Nursing Staff #2 revealed, "we are going to change our policy and remove the names from the doors. We will have to educate the physicians". Interview confirmed the hospital had not asked for the patients' permission to post their names outside of their hospital room.

Based on review of hospital policy and procedure, observation during tours and staff interview, the hospital failed to ensure blood glucose control solutions were not expired for 2 of 4 glucose monitors observed (Units 2C and 2A).

The findings include:

Review of the hospital's procedure, "Nova Biomedical StatStrip Glucose Meter", not dated, revealed, "...Performance Parameters: ...2. ...Do not use solutions after the expiration date printed on the vial label, discard any unused portion 3 months/90 days after opening...".

1. Observation during tour on 06/17/2014 at 1200 of the blood glucose monitor on Unit 2C revealed control solution with a handwritten expiration date of 04/19/2014 (2 months expired).

Interview on 06/17/2014 at 1200 with Administrative Nursing Staff #3 revealed the glucose control solution was out of date and should have been replaced. Interview revealed the hospital's glucose meter policy was not followed.

2. Observation during tour on 06/17/2014 at 1300 of the blood glucose monitor on Unit 2A revealed control solution not dated with an expiration date.

Interview on 06/17/2014 at 1300 with Administrative Nursing Staff #3 revealed the glucose control solution was not dated with an expiration date. Interview revealed the hospital's glucose meter policy was not followed.

NC00097043