Two San Diego-area hospitals were fined by the California Department of Public Health after an investigation found the facilities had dangerous practices in place that caused or likely caused serious injury or death to patients, according to an article on the NBC San Diego website.
The investigation showed UCSD Medical Center had broken alarm systems that the hospital knew were inoperable and did not repair. A patient wandered away from the hospital and his body was found five days later less than a mile from the hospital entrance.
According to the investigation, the man's bed alarm never sounded. The security panic button was also broken.
Palomar Medical Center was also fined for a broken alarm system.
Avoiding Mistakes in Healthcare Site Selection
Can Rural Hospitals Be Saved?
Ascension Saint Thomas Breaks Ground on Hospital and Health Campus in Tennessee
The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities
Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety