Upmc Northwest Transitional Care Unit

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Upmc Northwest Transitional Care Unit, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jan 6, 2021

  Based on observations, review of facility policy, and staff interviews it was determined that the facility failed to utilize proper hand hygiene to prevent potential contamination of food in the main kitchen. Findings include: Review of Facility Policy entitled Infection Control Program- Nutrition Services dated 3/2020, indicated that kitchen staff are expected to wash their hands after breaks and after touching their nose, mouth, or hair, after donning (put on) their mask, and after touching or removing their mask. Observations on 1/04/21, between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF880Jan 6, 2021

  Based on observation, review of clinical records and facility policy and staff interview it was determined that the facility failed to prevent the potential for cross contamination during a dressing change for one of eight residents reviewed (Resident R9). The facility also failed to ensure COVID-19 infection control protocols were followed to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections on the unit. Findings include: The facility policy entitled, Wound Dressing Change, dated 3/2020, indicated that staff are to change gloves and complete hand hygiene; before and after arranging resident supplies on a protective barrier, before and after removing the soiled dressing, before and after cleaning the wound, and before and after applying the treatment to… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF605Aug 13, 2025

  Based on review of facility policy, clinical records, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide a clinical rationale for the continued use of an as needed (PRN) psychotropic (mind altering) medication beyond 14 days and failed to provide evidence that non-pharmacological interventions (interventions attempted to calm a resident other than medication) were attempted prior to the administration of a PRN psychotropic medication for two of six residents reviewed (Residents R17 and R29).Findings include: A facility policy entitled Psychotropic Drug Management dated 4/21/25, revealed PRN orders for psychotropic medications will be limited to 14 days unless the physician identifies the rationale to extend the medication beyond 14 days. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF761Aug 13, 2025

  Based on review of facility policies, observations, and staff interviews, it was determined that the facility failed to appropriately discard outdated medications for one of one medication carts reviewed.Review of facility policy entitled Multi Dose Medication-A dated 4/21/25, indicated all multiple use (multi-dose) medications should be labeled by the facility with the date first use so that expiration dates or date for last use can be determined, and discard any vial found opened without being dated. Review of facility policy entitled Expiration Dates dated 4/21/25, indicated injectable diabetes product storage recommendations, Humalog insulin pen opened expires in 28 days. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF695Sep 6, 2024

  Based on review of facility policy and clinical records, observations, and staff interview, it was determined that the facility failed to provide oxygen according to physician's orders for one of one residents reviewed for respiratory services (Resident R1). Findings include: Review of facility policy dated 8/2024, entitled Oxygen Administration indicated that Verify physician order for desired oxygen saturation and oxygen flow rate. And do not change the oxygen flow rate on fixed flow orders or titrate outside ordered parameters without contacting the physician and obtaining appropriate orders. […]