Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, in the surveyor’s own words.

• Immediate jeopardy, widespreadF812Sep 10, 2024

  Based on observation, record review, and interview the facility failed to assure kitchen staff used non-expired Hydrion test strips to test the kitchen's three-compartment sink for proper sanitizer level to assure sufficient concentration of sanitizing solution is present to effectively clean and sanitize dishware and failed to assure the kitchen dishwasher water temperature was used and logged at 180 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or more during the rinse cycle, failing to assure dishware and silverware were heat sanitized. This deficient practice puts all residents, staff, and visitors, who eat their meals at the facility, at risk for foodborne illness. The State Agency (SA) identified an Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) at 483.60 (F812) on [DATE] at 10:12 AM. […]

• Actual harm, isolatedF684Sep 2, 2022

  Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to recognize the need for closer monitoring and additional interventions to manage a significant change in physical condition for one resident (R) in the sample. Although R4 was identified with a serious, potentially life-threatening wound infection that required extended intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy, placement of a central line (IV access into a large central vein near the heart), and an upgrade of her status to a skilled nursing level of care, the facility failed to assess the impact the infection had on her functional needs, or to refer her to the appropriate specialists for her condition. As a result of this deficient practice, the facility placed R4 at an increased risk for avoidable declines and injuries. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Feb 27, 2026

  Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure safe storage of perishable foods. As a result of this deficient practice, all residents have to potential to be exposed to harmfulfood-borne illnesses.Findings Include: On 02/24/26 at 08:29 AM, conducted a concurrent initial observation of the facility's kitchen and interview with the Hospital Executive Chef (HEC). The walk-in pantry (dry storage room) there were two (2) plastic containers, one contained curly egg noodle and the second one had dried shiitake mushroom; both plastic containers did not have labels. HEC was queried if containers should be labeled, after the original food packages were opened and the contents of the packages transferred to the plastic containers. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Sep 22, 2023

  Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to provide safe storage for delivered food items placed into the kitchen's chiller and the dietary aides failed to perform appropriate hand hygiene while delivering meal trays to residents. These deficient practices have the potential to cause harm to their residents, staff, and visitors due to the possibility of contracting a food borne illness. Findings include: 1) On 09/19/23 at 10:32 AM, conducted a concurrent observation and interview with the kitchen chef (KC) of the kitchen's chiller located outside, across from the freezer. The chiller contained a box of sour cream tubs on the floor to the left and the right side contained crates with gallons of milk and juice. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Sep 2, 2022

  Based on observation, and interview, the facility failed to store, label, and serve food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety. Residents (R) risk serious complications from foodborne illness as a result of their compromised health status. Unsafe and/or unsanitary food handling practices represent a potential source of pathogen exposure for all residents at the facility. Findings include: 1) On 08/30/22 at 09:50 AM an initial tour of the kitchen was done with Kitchen Staff (KS)1. Observations found the three-door refrigerator contained a plastic container of balsamic vinegar dressing and a plastic container of miso labeled with a used by date of 08/23/22. […]