HospitalInspections.org

Based upon a tour of the hospital, review of hospital documentation, and staff interviews, the hospital failed to ensure that the HVAC system was maintained in such a manner as to promote the safety and well-being of staff and patients. The findings include:


1. On 08/18/2020 - 08/19/2020 at 9:00 AM and times throughout the survey, the surveyors toured the hospital, while accompanied by the Plant Facilities Engineer 2, Plant Facilities Engineer 1, and the Environment of Care Coordinator observed the following:
a. The B Wing contains classrooms and all HVAC supply and returns grills for all the classrooms were found to be heavily Laden with dust.
b. The C wing office C-5 was found to have the door partially ajar and the HVAC supply and return grills closed and a window open negating the HVAC systems ability to maintain an air balance and exchange of outside and inside conditioned air and effecting the rest of the zone. Subsequent to this observation the Plant Facilities Engineer 2 and Plant Facilities Engineer 1 stated they have opened the HVAC supply and return grills only to find them closed again.

2. On 08/19/2020 at 9:00 AM and times throughout the survey, during documentation review and staff interview the following was identified:
a. Facility staff provided a copy of a Connecticut Department of Labor Occupation Safety and Health report dated February 26, 2020 for an inspection that was conducted on January 14, 2020. The report identified that the facility should have the HVAC system tested and balanced to ensure that it is supplying the appropriate volume of heated or cooled outside air.
As of the date of this survey this has not been completed and no bid awarded for the work so it can be completed when the COVID-19 restrictions on outside contractors entering the facility is lifted. Subsequent interviews of the Plant Facilities Engineer 2, Plant Facilities Engineer 1 and Environment of Care Coordinator confirmed this finding.