HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow its own policy in regard to reporting animal bites.

Findings were:

Review of an undated Facility policy entitled "Animal Bites" stated in part ...
"F. Reporting
1. Report animal bites to local/state public health authorities as required by law.
2. Notify animal control for follow-up and quarantine of domestic animals when applicable.
VI. Responsibilities
- Physicians/Providers: Perform assessment, wound care, prescribe prophylaxis, and complete required documentation.
- Nursing Staff: Assist in wound care, patient education, and reporting.
- Infection Control / Public Health Liaison: Ensure compliance with reporting requirements ..."
On 2/28/25, patient # 7 was seen in the ED after being bitten by a rabbit. There is no documented evidence that the bite was reported to local/state public health authorities.

Staff #3, CNO, verified these findings and reported that the nurse should have reported the incident.

Based on observation, policy review and interviews the hospital's infection prevention and control program failed to maintain a clean and sanitary environment to avoid sources and transmission of infection.

Findings :

In an article published by Spectrum Health in July 2014 it was stated, "The heavier corrugated cardboard shipping boxes might harbor vermin or insects and spread the pests to areas where the boxes are stored after delivery. Corrugated cardboard boxes are not appropriate as storage units in medical or clean supply rooms. These boxes are not appropriate because they are an excellent harbor for insects and pests."

A review of the hospital's " Maintaining a Sanitary Environment Policy 6 Revised 10/2024 partly stated, ...
POLICY:
1. Parkview Hospital shall provide and maintain a sanitary environment to avoid sources and transmission of infections and communicable diseases.
2. All areas of the hospital must be clean and sanitary. This includes all hospital units/departments and off-site locations.
3. Infection prevention and control policies and procedures for the maintenance of a sanitary physical environment are based on national guidelines and address the following:
a. Ventilation and water quality control issues, including measures taken to maintain a safe environment during internal or external
construction/renovation..."

During a tour of the hospital on 9/15/25, accompanied by Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Staff #1 the following was observed:

Central Supply storage area outside the hospital had shelves with cardboard shipping boxes stored above containers that held opened clean supplies. Other shelves held shipping boxes adjacent to opened clean supplies, there was no differentiation between clean supplies and shipping boxes. Shipping boxes of intravenous (IV) fluids were observed being stored on the floor in the supply area. Corrugated boxes are not appropriate because they are an excellent harbor for insects and pests.

In the patient/staff nutrition room on the hospital floor, the ice machine's drain was plumbed under the only sink in the room with wet particle board and brownish black substance observed with a container and other supplies stored .
The laboratory staff restroom had damaged sheetrock on the left side and at the back of the toilet .

Staff #1 acknowledged the above findings during the tour of the facility 9/15/25.