Infection Control Deficiencies in Respiratory Equipment Storage and Laundry Practices
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple infection control deficiencies related to the handling and storage of respiratory equipment and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the facility. One resident's continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device was found lying on her bed, stuffed between the side rail and her low air loss mattress, rather than being stored in a sanitary manner. Another resident's nasal cannula tubing was observed draped over the back of her wheelchair, also not stored appropriately. Staff interviews confirmed that respiratory equipment not in use should be kept in a bag, and that it is the responsibility of nursing staff to ensure this practice is followed. Additionally, during a tour of the laundry room, cleaning rags were found left in the washer overnight, and the soiled laundry sorting area did not have PPE available for staff to use while sorting dirty laundry. The housekeeping supervisor confirmed the absence of PPE in the soiled sorting area. The facility's infection control monitoring policy requires regular surveillance of adherence to infection prevention practices, including the availability and use of PPE, but these practices were not followed as observed during the survey.