Personal Belongings Found in Clean Laundry Room Violating Infection Control Policy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when personal belongings, including two bags, a sweater, a cellphone, and a pair of sunglasses, were observed inside the clean laundry room. These items belonged to a laundry staff member and were found hanging by the door and placed under the air-conditioning unit near a table with folded clean linens. The Housekeeping Manager confirmed that the items belonged to the staff member, and the Infection Preventionist stated that personal belongings are not permitted in the clean laundry area, as this area is designated for washed linens and clothes and must remain clean. Further interviews revealed that laundry staff are provided with lockers in the janitor room for storing personal items, and facility policy prohibits employee personal belongings from being left in the laundry area. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the facility failed to keep the laundry area clean and free from potential infection related to the placement of personal belongings, which could result in cross contamination. Facility policies reviewed also indicated that clean linen must be protected from environmental contamination.