HospitalInspections.org

Based upon observation and interview the facility failed to ensure endoscopes were properly stored resulting in the potential for the spread of infectious disease amongst all patients receiving endoscopic procedures at the facility. Findings include:

On 10/1/2019 at 1110 during tour of the endoscope cleaning area it was observed two endoscopes were stored on a clear plastic tote designated with the word "clean" on the outside of the tote.

On 10/1/2019 at 1120 an interview occurred with Staff D, the surgical services technician. Staff D was asked if she knew when the last endoscope was performed on the facility. Staff D responded, "The last scope we had in the facility was Friday (09/29/2019). I don't know why the scopes are in here and not hanging."

On 10/1/2019 at 1125 during tour of the procedure room it was observed in the endoscope storage cabinet one endoscope touching a blue pad with white padding. Additional observation of the cabinet revealed dried fluid marks on the interior of the cabinet.

On 10/1/2019 at 1130 an interview with Staff D occurred. Staff D was queried if endoscopes were supposed to touch at the end of the scope. Staff D responded, "No." Staff D was then asked how often the pads were changed in the endoscope storage cabinet. Staff D stated she did not know how often the pads were changed nor how long the existing pad had been located at the base of the cabinet. Staff D was then asked how often the interior of the cabinet was scheduled for cleaning. Staff D stated the cabinet was not on a routine cleaning schedule.