Improper Use of Dirty Laundry Basket for Clean Linens
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when laundry staff used a dirty laundry basket to transfer washed linens from the washing machine to the dryer. During an observation in the laundry room, a large blue plastic laundry basket with a lid covered by a stained white sheet was found near the dryer. Upon removal of the sheet, the lid and the inside of the basket were observed to be dirty and contained various items, including trash bags, dirty socks, a coffee creamer packet, a dirty mop, a blue blanket, dirty tissue papers, and a spray bottle. The laundry staff stated that the basket was used for transferring clean linens and that the sheet covering it was changed weekly, despite the laundry supervisor stating it was changed daily. The Infection Preventionist and Director of Nursing both acknowledged that the basket should not have been used in this condition and that staff had been educated on proper linen handling and transport. A review of the facility's policy and procedures indicated that linen carts are to be cleaned and disinfected whenever visibly soiled and according to an established schedule, and that clean linen must be protected from dust and soiling during transport and storage. The Director of Buildings and Grounds confirmed the expectation that only clean laundry baskets should be used. The use of a visibly dirty basket for transporting clean linens was not in accordance with facility policy and procedures, as confirmed by staff interviews and record review.