HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of clinical records and an interview with staff, the governing body failed to be responsible for services furnished under contracts. Failure to provide the proper oversight could potentially result in patient harm if patients are not seen by the physician according to the severity of their needs.

Findings were:

Review of clinical records for 12 patients was conducted. Based on ESI rating and the time the patients were placed in treatment rooms, 5 patients (#7, #8, #10, #11 and #12) were seen before patient #9 that should have been seen after patient #9. 3 of the 5 patients (#7, #8 and #10) had been classified as ESI 4 and the remaining 2 of 5 patients (#11 and #12) had been classified as ESI 5. As the 5 patients listed had been triaged with ESI ratings higher than patient #9, their needs were less critical than those of patient #9.

In an interview with staff #1 at 1:30 pm on 11-11-14, staff #1 stated that the emergency room physicians for WGH are provided through a contracted service.

The above was confirmed in an interview with the Interim Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Nursing Officer, the ER Manager and the Assistant Chief of Staff on the afternoon of 11-11-14.