Hand Hygiene Tied to Staffing Levels

According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, inadequate staffing levels in nursing homes is increasing the number of hand hygiene deficiencies. 

Researchers analyzed nursing home survey data that was collected from 2000 to 2009. Between 2000 and 2002, inspectors issued hand hygiene deficiencies in fewer than 7.4 percent of facilities. However, that number increased to 12 percent by 2009. 

Nursing homes with fewer LPNs, RNs and aides had significantly more deficiencies than facilities with more staff on hand.  

Also, nursing homes in states with lower Medicaid reimbursement rates are more likely to have hand-washing lapses, according to the journal.  

Snyder and Wenner, P.C.

602-224-0005

 

Baby Bather Recall

According to an article from Huffington Post, Summer Infant is recalling over two million of their Deluxe/Mother’s Touch Baby Bathers. The recall is due to fall and head injury hazards.  

When carrying a baby in it, there is the risk that a baby may fall and develop severe head injuries. The bathers have a faulty side hinge that can cause the wire frame to collapse. 

The products were sold both in-store and online in the United States and Canada. 

So far, there have been seven injuries reported. Of those injuries, four had skull fractures with one requiring intensive care for brain bleeding.  

The bathers being recalled were sold between September 2004 and November 2011 with model numbers:

08020, 08050, 08054, 08070, 08401, 08409, 08404, 08405, 08650, 08655, 08659, 08754, 08940, 08944

18004, 18040, 18049, 18050, 18120, 18125, 18129, 18254, 18360, 18375, 18379, 18390, 18394, 18440, 18445, 18449, 18470, 18475, 18479

38510, 38515, 38750, 38755

The company is offering free repair kits to fix the hinge.

Snyder and Wenner, P.C.

602-224-0005