Inquest jury urges CO detectors after three health facility deaths

Incident at Saskatoon care facility spurs recommendation for CO detectors in all facilities, not just buildings where people stay overnight

By Healthcare Facilities Today


After three 2010 deaths at the St. Mary’s Villa care home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, an inquest jury returned four recommendations, including one suggesting the Saskatoon Health Region — which runs St. Mary’s Villa — install CO detectors in all of its facilities, not just buildings where people stay overnight.

On Dec. 26, 2010, carbon monoxide was inadvertently distributed into the home’s Dust Wing through the ventilation system. Twenty-four seniors, two visiting family members and five workers were later taken to hospital. The inquest reviewed the deaths of three seniors who were exposed to carbon monoxide that day, the article on The Star Phoenix website said.

Along with the CO detector recommendation, the jury also suggested on-site department heads and staff get more “cross-training between areas of expertise” to ensure better response to incidents. The jury also recommended monthly meetings with all department heads at all facilities to improve communication about potential issues.

Read the article.

 



March 17, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Avoiding Mistakes in Healthcare Site Selection

Actionable strategies for healthcare systems and medical groups navigating today’s constrained real estate market.


Can Rural Hospitals Be Saved?

More than 700 rural hospitals nationwide face the risk of closure. A new report highlights solutions that could improve long-term sustainability.


Ascension Saint Thomas Breaks Ground on Hospital and Health Campus in Tennessee

The new hospital will open with 44 inpatient beds and will be designed to expand to 132 beds as community needs grow.


The Hidden Risks of QAC Disinfectants in Healthcare Facilities

Quaternary ammonium compounds are a popular disinfectant choice, but they may be causing more harm than good. A review outlines the problems with QACs and offers a solution.


Sprinkler Compliance: Navigating Code Mandates, Renovation Triggers and Patient Safety

As CMS deadlines approach and renovation projects accelerate, healthcare facility managers must understand how NFPA 101, state fire codes and sprinkler design strategies intersect.


 
 


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.