HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations in the hospital kitchen where patient meal trays are prepared and where those meal trays are placed into carts to transport to patient units, it was determined that, 1) The kitchen floor was heavily soiled, and there was paper and food debris observed on the floor and under racks; 2) there were at least (7) breaks in the tile floor up to 10" in diameter behind the patient tray prep line; 3) the interior of refrigerator #17, and meal tray transport carts which were described by staff as being "clean carts" were observed to have soiled interiors; and 4) an approximate 3 foot diameter puddle was noted on the floor at the end of the patient tray line.

A tour of the hospital kitchen on August 16, 2017 at approximately 0930 revealed a heavily soiled floor evidenced by an appearance of darkened areas, in addition to much debris in the form of food stuffs and paper. A return to the kitchen the following day revealed a clean floor, with no noted food stuffs or paper. Interview with the kitchen manager on the morning of August 17 revealed in part, that the staff member who generally makes use of the mechanical floor cleaning machine had been on vacation. Based on this, no other staff member had been trained or assigned the task of cleaning the floor.

During the kitchen tour, at least 7, approximately circular breaks in the tile ranging in size from about 4" to 10" in diameter were noted along the patient tray line where staff prepared trays. Based on this, it was impossible to clean the floor behind the tray line.

Inspection of refrigerator #17 revealed old dry drips on the interior with tray skids showing obvious accumulated soiling. Likewise, the interiors of tray carts which were stated to have been cleaned, revealed food debris on the interior floor, crumbs, a package of crackers and soiling on the tray skids.

Finally, an approximate 3 foot diameter puddle of water was noted on the end of the patient tray line which presented a fall danger to staff.

Based on all observations, the hospital failed to meet requirements for the maintenance of facilities, equipment and safety.