HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of the patient record, incident reports and staff interview, the hospital failed to ensure that patient #1 received care in a safe setting as she was dropped by staff on two occasions.

Findings were:

Based on review of the record of patient #1 She was transferred by staff on two occasions without the use of a gait belt (A handling aide) and was dropped. These occurrences were documented in incident reports. The facility policy entitled Patient Handling and Movement stated in part:
" 3. Approved mechanical lifting equipment or other approved handling aids will be used to prevent manual handling of patients except when absolutely necessary, such as in an emergency, life-threatening, or otherwise exceptional circumstances .... The staff failed to follow this policy on two separate occasions during the stay of patient #1.
This was confirmed in interview with the Nursing Director on 11/09/11 in the conference room.