HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and interview during the investigation of Complaint ID#: NY 00111420, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure the care patients receive meets standards and protects them from harm.

Findings:

On 1/23/12 at 1115 a paralyzed bilateral amputee (legs) presented to an outpatient draw station for blood work. The wheelchair bound patient only had minimal use of right arm. The technician unsuccessfully tried the left arm first. The technician then placed a tourniquet around the patient's right arm and successfully drew several vials of blood. Once completed the patient left for home. At 0630 the next day during morning care, the patient's caregiver noted the tourniquet still on the patient's right arm. The arm was swollen and reddened. The patient presented to an ED at another facility where he was treated and released.

This was confirmed on interview with the Director of the Laboratory on 3/28/12 at 0915 and the technician on 3/29/12 at 0900.