“These failures created the potential for patients to be at risk for healthcare-acquired infections,” the state report reads, according to the Denver Post.
However, the hospital maintains no patients were affected, and training procedures have changed. In a statement issued to Becker’s, UCHealth said, “While we are not aware of any infections associated with the devices or any patients who have been impacted, Memorial Hospital immediately retrained staff members and put in place new processes to ensure the devices were being properly cleaned.”
Memorial Hospital noted that the hospital addressed the health department’s concerns in April.
The state investigation was spurred after an ultrasound technician at the hospital filed a complaint with the health department. The technician was fired in September, according to the Denver Post, and she has filed a lawsuit alleging she was fired in retaliation for her complaints.
Memorial Hospital cannot comment on personnel issues or pending litigation, according to the statement.
More articles on infection control:
Safety stand-down: How borrowing a military practice boosted this hospital’s hand hygiene compliance to 94%
3 ways to get safe surgical attire protocol to stick
Maryland hospital shuts down NICU after deadly bacteria discovered
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit