HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, record review, and interview, the hospital failed to ensure patients' right to receive care in a safe setting, and ensure that none of the patient with access to plastic ware retained the utensils that were potentially breakable into sharp pieces and usable during self-harm attempts.

Findings included:

Observations on 08/15/18 at 0811 in the hospital's patient cafeteria reflected five staff members including one nurse and four Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) supervised 28 patients receiving their breakfast meal of scrambled eggs, sausage and/or cereal and fruit. Staff provided all patients with a plastic fork and/or a spoon.

Observations on 08/15/18 at 0819, an unidentified patient was observed to throw away his plate into the trash bin located in close proximity to the serving line. No staff member observed whether the patient discarded his plastic utensils. The patient had pants with pockets potentially usable to hide plastic ware.

Observations on 08/15/18 between 0819 and 0834 reflected that 24 patients had finished their meals and discarded their refuse into the trash bin. No staff member was noted to observe patients and ensure that all plastic ware was accounted for and/or discarded and not in patient possession any longer.

Patient #34 approached the surveyor with the request "to talk." Patient #34 was asked about the plastic ware and stated, "No one checks whether we throw the plastic ware away."

During an interview on 08/17/18 at approximately 1330 Hospital Personnel #4 acknowledged the above findings.

Record review of the hospital's policy titled "Patient Safety Plan" dated 10/11/16 reflected the procedure that staff members received training "...regarding job related aspects of patient safety..."