HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and staff interviews, the facility failed to provide evidence of a clear plan for water to meet the needs of patients and staff, in the event of an emergency. The administrative staff identified an average census of 4 patients and 118 employees.

Failure to have a plan for emergency water may result in a disruption in services to patients and staff which could result in discomfort, exacerbation of illness and potential harm.

Review of a facility policy titled "Utility Disruption - Water", reviewed in 5/12, revealed in part ". . . II. C. Emergency preparedness plans must be developed and maintained to address patient care and facility operations during partial or total failure of the water distribution system or chemical/bacterial contamination of supply and protocols for responding to unforeseen contingencies must be considered . . . "

During an interview, as part of the hospital environment tour, on 9/19/12 beginning at 8:00 AM, Staff B, Team Lead Maintenance, reported the facility did not have a written contract for emergency water supplies. Staff A, Environment of Care Specialist, reported the facility had an arrangement with the county Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to assist the facility in meeting water needs in the case of an emergency and was addressed in the facility disaster policy. Staff A reported the facility recently had an interruption in water service, due to a city water main break, and purchased bottled water at the local Hy-Vee for this short-term interruption.

During an interview on 9/19/12 at 9:40 AM, Staff A provided a copy of the hospital policy titled "Utility Disruption - Water" and pointed out areas she had highlighted. Review of the policy revealed in part " . . . III. Policy Statement B. Alternate sources of drinking water include internal caches such as hot water heaters, ice in ice machines and other "clean" reservoirs, as well as external suppliers such as bottled/bulk water vendors. C. Alternate sources of non potable water can be found through such contacts as construction companies, cement companies and fire departments . . ." Staff A reported the facility would rely on the stock of bottled water on hand and purchase additional bottled water from the local Hy-Vee for potable water. She confirmed the county EMA was not specifically identified in this policy, but part of the facility disaster plan was to utilize this agency for water needs and reported the EMA had contracts with Hy-Vee, Walmart and Trucking Company to bring in truckloads of water.

During an interview on 9/19/12 at 11:45 AM, Staff C, Regional Administrator, confirmed the facility lacked a detailed plan or contract for the provision of emergency water. She reported the facility did have a plan and explained for a short-term interruption in service, the facility relied on the water supply on hand - bottled water for potable water and reserve water tanks for non potable water. Staff C relayed this procedure was used a short time ago when they had an interruption in the water supply due to a city water main break. Staff C further reported for a long-term interruption the facility would look to the facility policy titled "Emergency Preparedness Disaster Plan - Code Triage", reviewed 6/12, but confirmed the policy did not contain specific details for emergency water supplies, but did refer to the use of the Emergency Management Agency. Review of the policy revealed in part ". . . VI. L. 5. Consideration for activation of the Federal Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) will be considered early depending on the size of the incident; activation occurs through contact with the Adam County Emergency Management Agency. . . "

During an interview on 9/19/12 at 1:55 PM, Staff B reported the facility had 2 - 60 gallon tanks for a non potable water reserve, which would meet the facility needs for less than one day.

During an interview on 9/19/12 at 2:40 PM, Staff A provided clarification on the information she had highlighted in the policy titled "Utility Disruption - Water". She reported the local fire department would provide the facility with non potable water and the fire chief was also the contact for the county EMA. Staff A reported the facility has worked with this individual in the development of the facilities disaster plan.