HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that patient bays in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) are cleaned and disinfected after the patient has vacated the bay in one of two observations of cleaning and disinfection of the patient bays.

Findings include:

On 5/9/23 at 10:48 AM, the patient in Bay #3 left the PACU area by stretcher. At 11:00 AM, a new patient was escorted via stretcher into Bay #3. During an interview at 11:10 AM, Staff #16 (S16), a PACU Registered Nurse, stated that the bay was cleaned prior to the patient's arrival by Staff #17 (S17), a Patient Care Technician (PCT).

During an interview at 11:18 AM, S17 stated that she cleans and disinfects the bay when the patient is disconnected and waiting to leave the PACU. S17 confirmed that the patient was still in the bay when she wiped down all surfaces and equipment located in the bay before he patient was discharged.

During an interview at 10:57 AM, Staff #18 (S18), a PACU Registered Nurse, stated that the bays should be cleaned and disinfected after the patient has left the bay.

During an interview at 12:00 PM, Staff #3 (S3), the Certified Infection Control Professional, stated that the facility follows AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses)guidelines.

A review of "AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice," 2022 edition, page 197, 5.1 stated, "... preoperative and postoperative patient care areas must be cleaned after each patient has left the area ..."