Security, infection issues spark changes at D.C. hospital

St. Elizabeths reacts to shooting, Legionella


St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., has made staff changes and created a new patient tracking system and plans to hire a consultant after a discharged psychiatric patient with a homicidal history allegedly killed a neighbor in an unprovoked shooting earlier this year, according to an article on The Washington Post website.

Plus, Legionella bacteria left the hospital without potable water for nearly a month. 

The facility, with about 270 patients, continued to admit patients as portable showers and sanitary wipes were brought in. No patients or staff became ill.

The hospital is facing a class-action suit on behalf of four patients, alleging care was compromised amid unsanitary conditions.

Read the article.



December 6, 2019


Topic Area: Infection Control


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