Dining Room Environmental Deficiencies and Infection Control Lapses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment in the South Side dining room, as evidenced by multiple observations of unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Surveyors observed a wet and dirty plastic container surrounded by fruit flies underneath a nonfunctional sink while ten residents were present and eating lunch. The shift coordinator and nursing supervisor confirmed the presence of the fruit flies and the dirty container but did not remove it. Additionally, a trash can next to the sink was also surrounded by flies, and the corner near the sink was visibly dirty, with food particles adhered to the wall and liquid stains running down another wall. The infection preventionist acknowledged these issues and identified them as an infection control problem. Further inspection revealed that the sink in the dining room had been nonfunctional for several weeks, with the cabinet door removed and an open pipe exposed. There was no signage indicating the sink was out of order, and the area was not isolated or covered to prevent resident exposure to possible contaminants. The director of maintenance and housekeeping confirmed the ongoing repairs and lack of notification or barriers. Additionally, the dining room floor had approximately twelve cracked tiles, with some pieces detached and loose, particularly between the sink and the dining table. The director of maintenance was unaware of the damaged tiles and had not been notified by staff. The floor throughout the dining room was noted to have numerous dark stains, especially in the corners, and there was no documentation or logs available to indicate when the floor was last buffed or waxed. The infection preventionist and nursing supervisor confirmed the lack of cleaning records and the visible dirt and stains. These observations were in direct violation of the facility's own policies regarding cleanliness, maintenance, and infection control, as well as CDC guidelines for infection-control measures during repairs.