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

The Future of the Global Hospital Hygiene Market

A market study details the current state of the global hygiene market and the factors that are expected to make a big difference in the next decade.


Rethinking Fire Safety Inspections

Digital tools bridge the gap between growing facility complexity and workforce limitations, allowing teams to maintain the highest safety standards.


The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Officially Opens

With the new hospital comes other changes, including new street and building names on the medical campus.


Healthcare and Resilience: A Pledge for Change

Climate resilience and reducing environmental impact drive voluntary program targeting hospitals.


Texas Health Resources Announces New Hospital for North McKinney

Expected to open in 2028, the hospital will feature 60 beds initially with plans to double in capacity to accommodate for future community growth.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.