HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and staff interview it was determined that the facility did not follow Infection Control Risk Assessment and Permit (ICRA) for a construction area. This could have a negative outcome for occupants of the facility from dispersing air borne containments into the atmosphere.

The findings include:

Observations and interview with the maintenance staff on September 19, 2018 at 11:45 PM revealed the facility failed to provide proper infection control in the areas undergoing repairs and remodeling on the fifth floor such as drywall repairs and sanding, electrical. The facility failed to provide and maintain a barrier from the resident areas and rooms to the areas in question with proper negative pressures to prevent air born contaminants from being dispersed in the air. The facility did not maintain a proper seal on the plastic barriers separating public and patient corridors from the construction and demolition areas.

Based on observations and interviews the facility failed to maintain comfortable ambient temperature and proper HVAC equipment placement. The facility has to ensure that the equipment and systems that control the temperature in the healthcare facility are maintained and operating in dependable and optimal conditions.

The Findings Include:

Observation and interview with the Director of Operations and the maintenance staff on September 16, 2018 in all areas of the facility, on all six floors revealed the facility has placed spot coolers in multiple rooms, corridors, suites and common areas with the hot air return venting into the attic space above the drop ceiling not to the manufactures specifications. HVAC hot air return on portable devices must vent the hot air to the exterior of the building via a window or HVAC return strait to the outside of the building.

Observation, record review and interview with the Director of Operations and the maintenance staff on September 16, 2018 at 3:45 PM revealed all of the HVAC air conditioning equipment in all areas, on all six floors including cooling towers, chillers, air handlers and all HVAC equipment are at least 40 years old and have exceeded their life expectancy. The existing HVAC equipment for the entire facility is no longer reliable and is not to healthcare facility standards and are showing signs for failure and deterioration.