Failure to Maintain Kitchen Oven Delays Meal Delivery
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain essential kitchen equipment in working order, specifically one of two kitchen ovens, which resulted in difficulties with timely meal delivery. The issue with the oven began in early September and persisted for over a month, during which time only one oven was operational. The Dietary Manager reported that a work order was believed to have been submitted, but maintenance coverage was inconsistent, and the first documented work order was not entered until mid-September. Maintenance staff confirmed that the oven was not functioning due to a power issue and a non-operational fan, and that troubleshooting was delayed by staff schedules and corporate holidays. During this period, dietary staff had to use a single oven to prepare multiple items, leading to complaints about late meal trays, particularly on the last hall to receive trays. Attempts to repair the oven involved purchasing supplies and seeking assistance from vendors, but miscommunication and scheduling issues with vendors further delayed repairs. The first vendor was unable to service the specific oven model, and subsequent appointments with a second vendor were repeatedly rescheduled. When the vendor was finally able to assess the oven, it was determined that the cost of repair was not justified compared to replacement. Throughout this time, the facility struggled to maintain scheduled meal delivery due to the lack of a fully functional kitchen oven.