HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview and record review it was determined the facility failed to ensure the facility's four (4) seclusion rooms had heat in the winter and was cooled in the summer in order to maintain a comfortable and safe environmental temperature for all patients.

The findings include:

Observation on 01/06/10 at 6:45pm revealed the seclusion room temperature on 2 West was 55 degrees. The temperature of the seclusion room on 1 west was 65 degrees.

Record review revealed no documented evidence the facility monitored the temperature in seclusion rooms. The facility did not have evidence to indicate the facility was able to provide heat or air conditioning to the four (4) seclusion rooms in the building.

Interview on 01/06/10 at 6:00pm with the Plant Operations Manager revealed the facility did not have the capability to provide heat or air conditioning to the four (4) seclusion rooms used for patients exhibiting behaviors. He stated the facility had never had the ability to heat or air condition those rooms. He stated he believed the reason the facility did not provide heating and air conditioning to those rooms was because the facility intended for those rooms to be uncomfortable for patients. He stated he did not monitor the temperature in those rooms to determine if the room temperature could be maintained at a comfortable and safe temperature. He stated he did not address this issue with the corporation or request a system be installed in order to heat and air condition those rooms even though patients had complained about the temperatures.

Interview on 01/06/10 at 6:30pm with the Director of Nursing revealed she was aware that some of the seclusion rooms would have very cool temperatures. She stated she was not aware that the building was not capable of providing heat in the winter or cool air in the summer to those rooms. She stated patient care and safety could be affected if a patient was exposed to unsafe temperatures.

Interview on 01/06/10 at 6:25pm with the Risk Manager revealed she was not aware the building was not capable of providing the seclusion rooms heat in the winter or cool air in the summer.

Interview on 01/06/10 at 6:45pm with Registered Nurse #1 revealed patients had complained about the temperature in the 2 West seclusion room. She stated if they complained about the temperature being too cold there was not anything they could do. They would not give the patient a blanket because they may harm themselves with it. So patients would have to remain cold until they were released from the seclusion room. She stated in the last few weeks one (1) patient was in the seclusion room on 2 West the (one with the temperature of 55 degrees) for about 9 to 10 hours. She stated she was not aware the room temperature was 55 degrees. She stated that a patient exposed to that temperature for a prolonged period of time without the appropriate attire could be affected physically and mentally.

Interview on 01/06/10 at 6:45pm with a Licensed Practical Nurse revealed patients had complained about the temperature in the 2 West seclusion room. She stated she was unaware that the room temperature was 55 degrees. She stated she had notified the maintenance department on several occasions, regarding patient complaints about the temperature in the seclusion room. She stated prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could affect patients emotionally and physically. She stated it could cause agitation, anger and shivering.