The information below comes from the statement of deficiencies compiled by health inspectors and provided to AHCJ by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It does not include the steps the hospital plans to take to fix the problem, known as a plan of correction. For that information, you should contact the hospital, your state health department or CMS. Accessing the document may require you to file a Freedom of Information Request. Information on doing so is available here.

SHARON REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM 740 EAST STATE STREET SHARON, PA 16146 Nov. 10, 2016
VIOLATION: INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES Tag No: A0749
Based on observation and interview with staff (EMP) it was determined that Sharon Regional Health System failed to ensure that the facility was maintained in a manner to sustain sanitary characteristics and to minimize health hazards in patient care rooms, medication rooms and patient hallways.

Findings include:

Review of facility policy on November 8, 2016, at approximately 8:50AM revealed, "Chapter 2 - General Cleaning Procedures, Cart Setup-Loop Mop, Bucket & Wringer Option ... Cart Guidelines ... Cabinets and Countertops ...This procedure covers cleaning instructions for cabinets and countertops in restrooms ... Materials and Equipment. Use the shine Cart Setup ... Ceiling and Vents ... This procedure covers the cleaning instructions for all ceiling and vents ... Chalkboards and Switchboards ... Procedure: 1. Erase the blackboard with the eraser ... 2. Dust the top of the blackboard with a clean cloth dampened in germicidal solution. Commodes ... Cubical Curtains ... Elevators ... Isolette's ... IV poles ... Sinks ... Stainless steel ... Stretchers ... Tubs and Showers ... Tub Cleaning ... Wheel Chairs ..." The facility policy outlines the procedure to clean all items that have the potential to come in contact with the patient ... ."
Review of Sodexo form, Environmental Services, ... Areas of Responsibility. Following Steps. 1-7 revealed, "...7. Cleaning Steps 1. Pull waste/Linen. 2. High Dust. 3. Damp Wipe. 4. Dust Mop/Vacuum. 5. Clean Bathroom. 6. Damp Mop. 7. Inspect Room ... ."
1. Tour of 5 W on November 9, 2016, at approximately 9:30 AM revealed an alcove across from room 552 where meal carts were stored. The meal carts contained drippings of unidentifiable white and brown material. The wall behind the meal carts contained a sticky matter from the height of the meal cart down to the floor. The floor contained brown sticky material as well. Air vents marked, Nurse Call, RHB, TCU, and 5 West Call System, contained dust throughout the vents.
Continued tour of 5 West revealed a crash cart with a suction container that was covered with dust. The medication room contained several medication bins that contained a layer of dust. There was noticeable dust on the shelves. The saniwipe was black/brown after EMP16 cleaned the bins and the shelves.
EMP16 confirmed the above findings.
2. Tour of the 4 West on November 9, 2016, at approximately 9:40 AM revealed a crash cart with a suction container that was covered with dust. The medication room contained several medication bins that were covered with dust and tape. The tape caused the bins to be tacky to the touch. The medication room baseboard and floor appeared to be dirty. EMP9 washed the area with a cloth demonstrating that the area was dirty, not scratched or worn.
Continued tour of a vacant patient room 464, revealed a layer of dust on top of the white board. Drip marks were observed on the ceiling, and there were stains noted on the walls. When the above the bed light was wiped, a layer of dust fell on bed.
EMP16 confirmed the findings at the time of the observation.