Improper Storage of Personal Beverages in Laundry Room Breaches Infection Control Policy
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed two cups containing brown liquid, one with a sippy lid and one clear, left on a folding table in the laundry room across from the nurse's station in Unit B. Both the Environment Service (EVS) staff and an EVS trainee acknowledged the presence of these cups during the observation. The EVS staff member stated he had been informed that the coffee cup was allowed in the area. However, the Director of Facilities (DOF) later confirmed that personal drinks or beverages are not permitted in the laundry room, citing infection control concerns. A review of the facility's infection prevention policy, confirmed by the Director of Nursing (DON), indicated that the policy was not followed in this instance. The policy requires the maintenance of a safe environment to prevent the spread of infection, and specifically prohibits drinks in care areas outside of designated staff personal or break areas. The DON acknowledged that the presence of drinks in the laundry care area was a violation of this policy.