As a result, the union filed a compliant with the California Department of Public Health alleging unsafe and unsanitary conditions at the hospital.
According to the compliant, an employee found more than 50 maggots in a patient’s mouth and nose in February. Also, in April, a nurse found maggots floating in the soup served in the cafeteria.
A hospital spokesman, David Silver, told the Los Angeles Times that the union’s allegations are made up. “It’s totally false; they are lying,” he told the paper.
Other, non-maggot-related violations documented in the complaint include the treatment of emergency department patients in the unsanitized hallways of the ED, and transporting patients using an uncertified vehicle.
SEIU-UHW is currently in a labor dispute with the hospital.
More articles on patient safety:
Daily CHG bathing of pediatric patients helps drop CLABSIs by 59%, study finds
Improving laundry process can help fight hospital infections: 7 best practices
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital issues measles alert: 5 things to know
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.