HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to properly store patient care items (30) expired items were found on the facility's crash carts. These practices could lead to contamination and possible infection of all patients.

Findings include:

During a hospital tour on 8/2/11 at 11:00 AM, the following expired items were found on the facility's crash carts:
Emergency Crash Cart
- Multiple Lumen CVC Kit (expired 5/2011)
- Lumbar Puncture Tray (expired 2/2011)
- Angio catheters x 12
- Spinal Needles x 2
- Needles (Hypodermic) x 10

First Floor (1-East) Crash Cart
-Conmed Suction connecting tubing (expired 1/2011)
-Non-Conductive connecting tubing (expired 3/2011)
-Disposable Tracheotomy tube Size 8 DCT (expired 12/2009)
-Disposable Tracheotomy tube Size 6 DCT (expired 7/2009)

During the tour, staff #13 confirmed that these items were expired.

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure the posting for specific rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor. Postings should be placed in emergency department or in a place or places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the emergency department, as well as the individual waiting for examination and treatment in areas other that traditional emergency departments.

Findings:
While touring the facility on 8/2/2011 observed no postings related to the specific rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical condition and women in labor in emergency treatment area or any other cites visible to individuals entering the hospital waiting room and/or treatment area.

Interview with Chief Nursing Officer on 8/3/2011 confirmed the facility did not have the required posting in the emergency treatment area or any other areas in facility, so individuals entering the facility and/or entering the emergency treatment could be aware of their rights.