Infection Control Deficiency in Laundry Handling and Storage
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to properly handle, store, and process laundry to prevent the spread of infection. Large trash bags containing dirty items were found on the floor in front of the dryer, and the folding table with clean items was located approximately four feet from these dirty items. Shelves in the laundry area also contained various maintenance items, such as tools and small hardware, which were stored in the same space. Additionally, there was no personal protective equipment (PPE) available for staff to use while sorting and handling contaminated items. Staff interviews confirmed that PPE was only used when handling items from rooms on transmission-based precautions, and that PPE was not available in the laundry area.