A surprise inspection found that UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh did not store clean and soiled linen according to proper standards, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality website.
UPMC and Paris Cleaners, its linen service provider, are involved in multiple lawsuits brought by families affected by a mold outbreak that may have been caused by mold on linens.
The outbreak contributed to the deaths of at least five patients at UPMC hospitals and caused the system to temporarily shut down its transplant program in 2015.
Linen should be sorted and stored in negative pressure rooms with special air exchanges, but Pennsylvania Department of Health investigators revealed that neither the clean or soiled linens were being stored according to standards.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems