HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interview, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that handling practices and storage of soiled linens, from COVID-19 infected patients, are in accordance with facility policies and procedures.

Findings include:

Reference #1: Facility policy titled, "Quarantine Isolation" states, " ... Laundry and Linens ... The soiled linen bag will be placed in a clean linen bag when removed from the room ..."

Reference #2: Facility document titled, "Where Does Your Waste Belong?" states, "All linen is placed in blue bags in the patient room ... Orange bags are used for identifying the QUARANTINED patient's linens. The blue linen bags will go inside the orange bags ..."

1. On 11/27/20 at approximately 12:00 PM, a tour of 3NE (a dedicated COVID-19 Unit) was conducted in the presence of Staff #2. The unit had a patient census of thirty (30) COVID positive patients. During the tour, blue bags filled with soiled linens, were along the hallways as follows:

a. Five (5) blue, soiled linen bags -- outside Room #333

b. One (1) blue, soiled linen bag -- between Room #336 and #337

c. Three (3) blue, soiled linen bags -- between Room #350 and #351

d. Seven (7) blue, soiled linen blue bags -- outside Room #353

2. Orange quarantine bags, to be used for identifying quarantined patient linens, were not used for sixteen (16) of sixteen (16) soiled linen bags identified.

3. At 12:12 PM, upon interview, Staff #8 stated there were some orange bags on the unit. He/she was not sure why they weren't used for the soiled linens in the hallway. Staff #8 further stated he/she was not sure where the soiled linens would go for storage until they are picked up.

4. This was confirmed with Staff #2 at the time of discovery.

Based on two (2) of two (2) observations, staff interview, and review of facility documents, it was determined the facility failed to ensure that bedside tables, countertops, and monitors, in patient care areas, are maintained and kept sanitary to avoid transmission of infection and communicable diseases.

Findings include:

1. On 11/27/20 at approximately 10:20 AM, during a tour of the Intensive Care Unit, the following was identified in Room #209 and Room #213:

a. Room #209:

i. There were small-particle debris, in the crevices along the seams of the bed.

ii. The sliding glass door had cloudy streaks with tape residue, on the glass surface.

b. Room #213:

i. The bedside table and countertop surface had brownish/yellow stains. Staff #3 attempted to remove the stains on the bedside table by scrubbing it with a Sani-Wipe cloth. The stain was unable to be wiped clean.

ii. There was adhesive residue around the monitors in the patient room. In addition, there was a fading barcode with "Insulin Glargine" printed on the sticker.

iii. The sliding glass door had cloudy streaks with tape residue, on the glass surface.

2. Upon interview, Staff #3 confirmed that both rooms are "patient ready."

3. The above findings were confirmed with Staff #2.