HospitalInspections.org

Based on surveyor observation, policy review and staff interview, it has been determined that the hospital failed to follow its own policy relative to eye protection on 4 of the 7 patient care units.

Findings are as follows:

3. The hospital's "COVID-19: Universal PPE (personal protective equipment) for Healthcare Personnel" policy formulated in 7/2020, states in part,
" ...Eye Protection
...The HCP (healthcare provider) are to don (put on) eye protection in the clinical area and wear it continuously whenever in direct contact with patients."

During surveyor observation on the Progressive Care Unit on 11/12/2020 at 10:15 AM, Staff A, a registered nurse, was observed providing care to a patient without eye protection in place.

During surveyor observation on the Intensive Care Unit on 11/12/2020 at 10:21 AM, Staff B, a registered nurse, was observed providing care to a patient without eye protection in place.

During surveyor observation on unit 1 East on 11/12/2020 at 10:32 AM, Staff C, a physician, was observed providing care to a patient without eye protection in place.

During surveyor observation on the Behavioral Health Unit on 11/12/2020 at 10:50 AM, Staff D, a social worker, was observed providing care to a patient without eye protection in place.

During surveyor interview with the hospital's Infection Control RN at the time of the observations, she acknowledged that the above staff were not wearing eye protection when in direct contact with the patients, as per the hospitals policy.