HospitalInspections.org

Based on policy review, observation and interview the facility failed to, maintain a sanitary environment and ensure staff are using personal protective equipment according to policy, resulting in the potential for the spread of infectious agents to patients. Findings include:

On 11/28/2011 at approximately 1130 during review of the policy titled Standard Precautions under Work Place eating and drinking areas: it is stated "1. Staff will not eat, drink or apply cosmetics or lip balm in areas defined as the work place. The work place at Select Specialty Hospital is defined as the patient's room, care and treatment areas, lab specimen collection and storage areas, patient care areas, the laboratory, nurses' station and/or all other areas where blood and potentially infected materials could contaminate the workplace." The policy also stated "Gowns: 5. Gowns are also worn by personnel during the care of patients infected with epidemiologically important microorganisms to reduce the opportunity for transmission of pathogens from patients or items in their environment to other patient or environments."

On 11/28/2011 at approximately 1040 during a tour of the unit it was observed that drinks were stored in the storage rooms. At 1045 during the tour it was observed that a refrigerator with staff food was stored in the clean supply room, snacks and drinks were stored in the room as well. This finding was confirmed by staff B.

On 11/28/2011 at approximately 1030 during a tour of the unit it was observed that staff E was providing care to a patient in an isolation room without a gown on. This finding was confirmed with staff B at 1030, who stated "We normally require that the staff wear a gown in isolation rooms."

On 11/28/2011 at approximately 1110 during observations of a dressing change it was observed that staff C stored gloves in their scrubs pocket and used them to change the dressing for patient #1. This finding was confirmed with staff C, and staff B stated "We should be storing gloves in boxes not our pockets."

On 11/28/2011 at approximately 1430 during observations of the unit staff H was observed coming out of an isolation room without a gown or gloves on. This finding was confirmed with staff D.