A hospital workers union is alleging Pomona (Calif.) Valley Hospital Medical Center fails to train environmental services and other staff members on proper procedures to prevent certain bacterial infections, while hospital officials claim adequate training is provided.
The SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union released a report Tuesday that notes the hospital scored below the national benchmark for patients acquiring Clostridium difficile. In 2015, the hospital had 97 cases of C. diff and nine cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, both worse than the benchmark, CMS' Hospital Compare shows.
While workers claim lack of training and communication on infection control protocols has led to the superbug infection problems, the hospital says it has for years been addressing infection issues. It has implemented several preventative measures, including patient and provider education on C. diff, expanded disinfection procedures for hospital rooms and medical equipment and using Oxycide as an alternative to bleach to kill C. diff and other germs.
However, one worker claimed staff were not trained on how to properly use the disinfectant.
"I know that with bleach we need to let it sit in a toilet of a C. diff patient for at least three minutes. It's written on our badge. I don't know how much time is needed for Oxycide. I don't think anyone in EVS knows," said Samantha Chacon, a housekeeper at Pomona Valley.
But Pomona Valley notes in-service training is provided when new products are introduced.
"The safety of our patients and associates is our number 1 priority," an emailed statement from the hospital reads. "Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is committed to protecting public health, preventing disease and promoting the well-being of everyone in our service area. According to Healthgrades, PVHMC is rated in the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide for patient safety," an emailed statement from the hospital notes.
The hospital has not yet recognized a January 2016 workers' vote to unionize and join SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. The hospital notes it is waiting for a decision on the vote from the National Labor Relations Board.