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Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to implement its infection control policies and procedures during a COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey when the patient restrooms on Unit 420 were observed dirty, with no toilet paper, no soap and no paper towels. These failures put patients and staff at risk for infectious illness or disease.

Findings:

During a Focused COVID-19 Infection Control Survey on 7/8/20, at 11:25 AM, three patient restrooms were inspected with Supervising Registered Nurse 1 (SRN). The following was observed on Unit 420:

At 11:28 AM, the first patient restroom/shower combination room was observed with no soap, no toilet paper, and no paper towels. During a concurrent interview with SRN 1 she stated "Patients use this bathroom if no other one is available, only with staff supervision."

At 11:32 AM, the second restroom observed, the male restroom, had feces on the floor, sink and counter. There was both urine and feces on the toilet seat. There was no soap, no toilet paper, and no paper towels in the male restroom.

At 11:35 AM, the third female restroom was observed with feces on the floor and on the toilet seat. There was no toilet paper and no paper towels for hand washing. The sink area had a brown substance smeared on it.

On 7/8/20, at 11:35 AM, SRN 1 confirmed the findings and stated she would immediately call the janitor to clean the restrooms.

During an interview with the Standards Compliance Director on 7/8/20 at approximately 1:40 PM, she stated there was no janitorial log to show how often the bathrooms were maintained and cleaned.

The facility policy and procedure titled, "Hand Hygiene", Revised "December 2018", indicated "Purpose to remove potentially infectious microorganisms from the hands and reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections..." It further indicated;

"Hand hygiene is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection."
"Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of microbes on them in most situations."

The facility policy and procedure titled, "Restroom Cleaning", (undated), indicated the procedure included "Refill all soap tissue and towel dispensers", to maintain cleanliness, control bacteria and odor and maintain acceptable esthetic conditions."