HospitalInspections.org

1. Base on observations, review of contracted services, and staff interviews Yoakum Community Hospital failed to follow established standards for the proper storage and disposal of trash.
The findings included:
a. During an inspection of the Hospital's trash collection and storage procedures on 8/5/14 with staff member # 16 we observed overflowing linen and trash containers on the loading dock. The overflowing containers were not covered, impeded the flow of traffic, and increased the opportunity for cross contamination to staff members as well as supplies and vendors. A further review of trash and linen storage areas within the facility revealed the same practice of overflowing containers with no covers and House Keeping staff collecting and transporting containers with no covers.
b. A review of the contracted services with staff member # 9 on 8/6/14 revealed the once a week collection schedule is currently insufficient. An additional inspection this morning with staff members # 9 and # 7 revealed an immediate remediation for covering containers on the loading dock. The entire plan to reduce or eliminate the potential for cross contamination in other areas of the hospital was not evaluated prior to the exit conference.
c. Interviews with the Chief Executive Officer and Infection Control Coordinator following their own review of the findings they acknowledged that established hospital infection control and trash and linen policies and procedures were not being enforced and they could not provide evidence of compliance with the requirements.