Cleaning fluid hospital death sparks safety concerns

The incident has raised questions about the facility's 'jug system,' about how the jugs are washed and cleaned and how the housekeeping staff know which bedside tables to put them on


An incident which saw an elderly woman die six days after drinking cleaning fluid at a Brighton (UK) hospital "could happen again," a coroner warned, according to an article on the Brighton and Hove Independent website.

The woman was given a drink which contained cleaning fluid mixed with a summer fruits cordial on September 17. The cleaning fluid was in a 'solid green' jug, the inquest heard — which was one that was given to dementia patients under the hospital’s jug system — but that woman would usually be given a jug with a blue lid.

It is believe it was placed there by one of the housekeepers after lunch. This is when the jugs are changed, washed and refilled, the inquest heard.

The incident has raised questions about people knowing about the jug system, about how the jugs are washed and cleaned and how the housekeeping staff know which bedside tables to put them on. Plus, there are questions about how the cleaning fluids are stored, according to inquest testimony.

Read the article.

 

 



September 18, 2018


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Skill Stacking: How Micro-Credentials Are Reshaping Trades

Micro-credentials can keep skilled trade workers up to speed with modern systems and complement longer, more formal training programs.


Prima Medicine Opens New Location in Tysons, Virginia

The Tysons location becomes Prima Medicine's fifth practice in the Washington metropolitan area.


Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center Ensnared in Cyberattack

On or about October 10, 2025, they determined that the Incident may have impacted PHI or PII.


Healthcare Real Estate: Responding to Shifting Patient Demands

To compete in a changing landscape, healthcare organizations must turn their real estate from a cost center into a competitive advantage.


Over 40% of Workers Impacted by Seasonal Depression

Seasonal changes can have an impact on work performance.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.