HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, document review, and interview the facility failed to maintain the condition of the physical plant domestic hot water system for both the main kitchen and the upper patient floors to assure the safety and well-being of patients which could result in harm to all 93 patients within the facility at the time of observation. Findings include:

1. On 07/10/2023 at approximately 1140 during the building tour with the Facilities Director, it was observed that one of the two hot water heaters (the backup heater) in the Ground floor Meter room, which supplies hot water to the Kitchen, was in disrepair and not functional. This second hot water heater is a backup heater in the event that the first heater fails and is needed to ensure continued supply of hot water to the ground and first floor. At approximately 1145, a large puddle of water approximately 8 feet by 2 feet was coming from a 5-gallon waste basket that had overflowed with water collected from a leaking hot water circulating pump. There was a steady leak of about 1 drip per second. No repair work order had been submitted to correct this. These observations were confirmed by the Facilities Director, Staff A at the time of observation.

2. On 07/10/2023 at approximately 1205 during the building tour with the Facilities Director, it was observed that one of the two hot water heaters (the backup heater) in the Second floor South Mechanical room, which supplies hot water to floors 2 through 7 of the hospital, was in disrepair and nonfunctional. This second hot water heater is a backup heater in the event that the first heater fails and is needed to ensure continued supply of hot water to the floors 2 through 7. Additionally, there was a puddle of water (approximately 3 ft x 2 ft) between the two hot water heaters. The water was traced back to a steady leak from the valve stem on the hot water return line. It was leaking about 4 drips per second. No repair work order had been submitted to correct this. This observation was confirmed by the Facilities Director, Staff A at the time of observation. Further inquiry with Staff A revealed there was no work order or plan in place to repair either backup water heaters.