HospitalInspections.org

Based on record review, observation and interview the facility failed to ensure that all patient care equipment used for diagnostic, therapeutic or for monitoring a patients condition is maintained in safe operating condition. The lack of timely electrical safety inspections of patient care equipment puts the patients at risk for delay in care due to the use of faulty equipment.

Findings include:

During a tour of the facility with the Chief Nursing Officer and the Director of Quality, it was observed in all patient care areas of the hospital, that the electrical equipment used in patient care had out dated electrical safety inspection stickers.

During the tour of the facility with the Chief Nursing Officer and the Director of Quality they both acknowledged that the electrical safety inspections for the patient care equipment were overdue.

The Director of Quality stated, "The former company didn't do the safety inspections as required, so we have contacted another company named First Choice Biomedical to conduct the electrical safety inspections. They will start the inspection process this month. I can contact the provider and have them provide you a letter stating when they plan to start."

The letter provided from First Choice Biomedical stated in part, "...I realize that SPBS failed to perform the electrical safety inspections in a timely fashion which leaves you in a difficult situation. I appreciate your call and I will be happy to perform these inspections beginning in the first full week of May. My plan is to address your critical care equipment first..."

Based on record review the Governing Body failed to ensure the CAH policy for the appointment of medical staff was followed; medical staff appointments had not been completed since '2016.

Findings include:

Yoakum County Hospital Medical Staff Bylaws states in part, "Appointments shall be made by the Governing Body and shall be made for the period of two (2) years. At the end of the two year period, the Governing Body of the hospital may reappoint all members of the medical staff who have been recommended by the Medical Staff for another term. In such case, all other reappointments may be made. Consideration for reappointment to the Medical Staff shall include an evaluation of the physical health and mental status of each practitioner including any limitation of same..."

The Chief Nursing Officer acknowledged that the Medical Staff appointments had not been completed since '2016.

Based on record review, observation, and interview the physical therapy department failed to provide documentation of the monitoring of the temperature and cleaning of their three Hydrocollator units. The lack of monitoring of the Hydrocollator units puts patients at risk for burns, ineffective treatment and infection control issues due to improper cleaning and temperature control of Hydrocollator units.

Findings include:

During a tour of the facility the surveyor requested to review the temperature/cleaning logs for the Hydrocollator units. There was one temperature/cleaning log provided to the surveyor for May 2019. The log listed temperatures for May 2, 2019 for the three Hydrocollator as follows: #1: 157 degrees, #2: 155 degrees, and #3: 155 degrees. There was no other documentation for the Hydrocollator provided to the surveyor during the remainder of the survey.

Moving Rehabilitation Forward Hydrocollator Heating Units User Manual, Safety Precautions section states in part,

" " ...Never adjust the thermostat too high. The thermostat is extremely sensitive and the slightest adjustment will alter the temperature several degrees. The recommended operating temperature is 160 degrees F to 165 degrees F (71 degrees C to 74 degrees C). The temperature of the water should be checked with a thermometer after every adjustment, before using the HotPac. Always allow sufficient time for the water to stabilize."
" "Damage to skin can occur from exposure to extreme heat or cold."
" "The water temperature in the Hydrocollator Heating Unit is approximately 160 degrees (71 degrees C), and the water scalding temperature is approximately 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) ..."

The Chief Nursing Officer acknowledged that the Physical Therapy Department failed to consistently document the Hydrocollators temperature/cleaning.