HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of hospital documents and interviews with hospital staff, the hospital failed to ensure the infection control program developed policies for laundry services and included monitoring of housekeeping and laundry practices.

Findings:

1. Upon arrival on the morning of 12/16/14, the surveyors requested policies and procedures for laundry services.

On 12/17/14, Staff A, EE, and FF confirmed patient clothing was laundered in the hospital and that the hospital did not have policies and procedure for washing and drying of the patients' clothing, including: water and dryer temperature; type and amount of detergent to be used; or any required cleaning after each use.

2. The surveyors requested all surveillance activity for 2014. No monitoring of laundry and housekeeping activities was included, including the application of disinfectants to ensure manufacturer guidelines were followed. On 12/16/14, Staff A stated Staff FF monitored housekeeping activities.

Infection control meeting minutes did not contain information about environment of care (housekeeping and laundry services). On 12/17/14, Staff FF stated he monitored housekeeping activities, but did not report findings to the infection control committee for review, analysis and plan of actions, if needed.