Deaths from a fungal outbreak at Children's Hospital in New Orleans has prompted national leaders in the healthcare laundry industry to review standards for handling hospital linens, according to an article on The Times Picayune website.
The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council and the Textile Rental Services Association say what happened in New Orleans has turned needed attention to the role of textiles in delivering patient care.
Reports by U.S. Centers for Disease Control experts and depositions from a related lawsuit indicate clean laundry was delivered in uncovered carts to a loading dock at Children's where there was construction and visible dust. The launderer also complained hospital workers were regularly tossing linens in with trash, the article said.
Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council standards require clean linens be covered and separated from soiling agents such as trash and other soiled linen, per guidelines issued by the CDC and other agencies. Hospitals, however, are not required to use accredited launderers.
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