CMS cited Detroit-based DMC Harper University Hospital for several infection control issues, including bugs that were flying around an intensive care unit during a recent inspection, according to The Detroit News.
The federal agency authorized an investigation of Detroit Medical Center in October after four cardiologists who were pushed out of their leadership roles at the institution voiced concerns about patient safety at the hospital.
In a Nov. 7 letter to Harper University Hospital, CMS said a facility survey the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs completed about three weeks earlier found several infection control deficiencies, including dirt and debris on the hospital's kitchen floor, an operating suite table with a surgical tray draped in blue towels before a delivery and small black bugs flying around an ICU. Nurses said the insects had been present for months.
In the medical center's Nov. 21 response to the findings, hospital officials said they had taken numerous actions, including reviewing a sterilization techniques policy, having staff extensively clean the facility and contracting with a pest control company.
A CMS spokesperson said the next step in the process is an unannounced survey.
DMC representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the News.
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