COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Report ID: ZHHC11, California Department of Public Health

Reported Entity: COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Issue:

Based on observation, staff interview, and administrative document review, the hospital failed to protect patients right to personal privacy when patients were placed on a gurney in hallways of the Emergency Department (ED) for medical treatment. This failure resulted in patients receiving medical care in areas without the benefit of the right to personal privacy. Findings:On 10/8/12 at 10 a.m., during observation of the ED there were patients in gurneys (specialized hospital bed on wheels) placed in all hallways and patient treatment areas. There were letters posted on the wall above each gurney that indicated the hallway spaces were used as patient treatment areas. On 10/9/12 at 12:27 p.m., during an observation, Patient 5 was lying on a gurney in the hallway of the Green Zone (a wing of the ED). Patient 5's blood was being drawn in full view in the hallway. No privacy curtain or device was placed around Patient 5 to provide privacy. On 10/9/12 at 1 p.m., during an interview, Patient 5 stated he was admitted on 10/8/12 at 11:15 a.m. and placed in the hallway on the gurney. Patient 5 stated, "They drew my blood right here. They later inserted an IV (intravenous) line and have been doing a lot of blood work and x-rays." On 10/9/12 at 1:05 p.m., during an observation, Patient 6 was lying on a gurney in the hallway of the Yellow Zone (an area of the ED). Patient 6's temperature and blood pressure were being checked in the open hallway with no regard to privacy. On 10/9/12 at 1:19 p.m., during concurrent observation and interview, RN 1 was checking Patient 6's vital signs in the hallway without a screen for privacy. RN 1 stated, "There is no privacy around here, I should have used a screen or something for privacy."On 10/9/12 at 1:45 p.m., during an interview, ED Manager stated, "We put patients in the hallway because we do not have enough rooms. Anybody that comes to the ED must be treated, when there are no beds on the floor we place them in the hallway until we have a bed..."Review of the hospital's policy and procedure titled, "Patient's Rights and Responsibilities" dated 11/19/2010, indicated "IV. Patient Rights: 9. To receive full consideration of privacy concerning their medical care. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. 10. To receive confidential treatment of all communications and clinical records pertaining to the care and stay in the hospital..."

Outcome:

Deficiency cited by the California Department of Public Health: PATIENT RIGHTS: PERSONAL PRIVACY