Operating room lights burn patients at Oregon hospital

Hospital staff changes diffusers on the halogen lights but leaves out the filters


At least 10 patients at an Oregon hospital were burned because staff didn't replace filters on lights in three operating rooms, according to an article on The Columbian website.

Staff at Silverton Hospital changed diffusers on the halogen lights in September 2013 but left out the filters, hospital officials said. 

The first cases of skin burns came to the hospital's attention the following June and a hospital investigation pinpointed the cause five months later in November, the article said.

Halogen lamps emit ultraviolet light and must have filters. The filter is often incorporated into the bulb's glass, but some lamps require separate ones.

It took several months to figure out the cause of the burns, because the hospital initially looked at more common culprits: solutions used to prep skin before surgery, bandages or dressings used after surgery, and cautery devices used to stop bleeding during surgery.

Read the article.

 

 



January 27, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Elevating EVS Professionals: The Case for Certified Hygiene Specialists

Workers cleaning patient rooms are not simply improving appearance. They are reducing bioburden and protecting human health.


Global Handwashing Day and the Importance of Well-Maintained Restrooms

A recent handwashing survey found that Americans value clean restrooms and touchless fixtures.


Duke Health and CaroMont Health Partner to Develop Two New Hospitals

CaroMont Health and Duke Health anticipate a decision by the end of March 2027.


Designing for the Psychology of Waiting

A well-designed waiting room does more than fill time — it eases the patient experience and creates a more functional healthcare environment.


UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2029, with full occupancy by 2030.


 
 


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.