HospitalInspections.org

Based on document reviews and interviews, the hospital failed to ensure a patient's right to receive care in a safe setting, as evidenced by the patient's Companion Sitter found asleep at the patient's bedside, a patient who was at risk for falls, for one (1) of ten (10) patients (Patient #6).

Findings:

Southern Maine Health Care Companion Sitter Job Description, stated in part "Essential Functions ... Patient Care ... Provides supervision, companionship and support to the patient. This may include sitting with hospitalized elderly patient, to minimize confusion and falls ... practices safe work practices ... listen actively and validate concerns, focus on the individual's needs ... ".

The Incident Report entered into the SMHC system dated 12/17/2023 was reviewed. It stated in part ..."[Companion Sitter] was found by this Registered Nurse ["RN"] asleep at the patient's bedside. Patient as attempting to get out of chair while companion was sleeping. Patient is a fall risk ...The report further stated that the incident was reported to the Department of Health and Human Services ["DHHS"] at 12:32 PM. [Companion Sitter] stated, "I closed my eyes for 1 minute. When you're in a room for that long it is hard not to close your eyes". [Companion Sitter] stated that the patient's beside table was right in front of him and that the patient tries to get up all the time. [Companion Sitter] stated he was frequently redirecting the patient to sit back down in the chair".

On 1/30/2024 at 3:12 PM, a telephone interview was conducted with a MS3 Staff Registered Nurse. She stated that she witnessed on 12/16/2023 at 6:00 PM, a Companion Sitter asleep at Patient #6's bedside. Patient #6 was attempting to get out of the chair. She stated that Patient #6 was at risk for falls. She stated that it was unknown how long the Companion Sitter had been asleep.