HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview it could not be determined the Infection Control Officer monitored the cleanliness of the patient care equipment to prevent the spread of infection. This failed practice had the potential to affect all patients currently in the facility. The findings follow:

A tour of the East end of the facility was conducted with the Director of Nursing at 1000 on 08-19-11. The following was observed and confirmed by the Director of Nursing at the time of the observation:
Tub Room on East was used as storage and contained a wooden unpainted shelf;
East Clean Storage had a hole in the wall at the end of the right shelving unit;
Shower Room on East contained:
Two biohazard square containers stacked on top of each other with liners inside;
A brown vinyl chair;
Two sets of rails;
A portable potty chair; and
A stack of linens.
There was no way to tell if the above items had been stored in the Shower Room clean or were dirty at the time of the observation.

Room 6011 and 6007 had bits of tissue and/or a buildup of dirt in the corners of the bathroom.

Room 6009 had bits of tissue and a buildup of dirt in the corners of the bathroom and a wooden step was noted leaning against the outside wall of the bathroom. The Director of Nursing stated the step belonged to the patient. The step was unpainted wood and could not be cleaned.

The Rehabilitation Therapy Room on the West side of the facility contained the following:
Stretchers, one stretcher had a sheet and bed cover thrown over it;
Wheelchair with a pillow case over the cushion;
Therapy Chairs;
Spare cushions seats stored under the cabinet;
Three steps with rails made of unpainted wood; and
Hand weights.

There was no evidence the above equipment in the Rehabilitation Therapy Room was clean. The Director of Nursing, that accompanied the Surveyors on tour, could not verify the equipment had been cleaned after use. The Director of Nursing stated the equipment was taken to the patient and the therapy was done in the patient room.