Infection Control Deficiency in Laundry Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement proper infection control standards in its laundry services, as evidenced by observations and staff interviews. Soiled and clean linens were not adequately separated, and staff did not consistently follow standard precautions. A fabric gown used for handling soiled linen was hung in the clean area next to washing machines, and staff would walk through the clean area to access the sink for handwashing after sorting soiled linen. The gown was only cleaned once daily despite being used multiple times a day. Staff were not provided with procedures for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the laundry room, nor were they informed about the required dwell time for the disinfectant cleaner used in the area. Further, staff responsible for laundry services had not received training on handling biohazard waste or soiled linens, and there was a lack of clear guidance regarding the use and effectiveness of the disinfectant cleaner. The Housekeeping Manager acknowledged the need for increased training, and the Director of Nursing Services recognized that the workflow between clean and soiled areas in the laundry room was problematic. The expected information about disinfectant dwell times was not readily available to staff, contributing to improper infection control practices.