Scripps Hospital 2000, cited for lax mold controls

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Lax controls at Scripps cited after infections | Inspectors say La Jolla

hospital failed to stop exposure to fungus

The San Diego Union - Tribune; San Diego, Calif.; Mar 29, 2000; Cheryl

;

Abstract:

Seriously ill patients at Scripps Memorial Hospital were exposed to a

potentially lethal fungus because of lax infection controls at the La Jolla

facility, according to state health investigators.

In a 19-page report, the investigators declared the hospital " failed to

prevent and control aspergillus cases during construction " and " failed to

maintain a sanitary environment " to prevent and control sources of

contamination

" that may have contributed to the increased incidence of aspergillosis cases. "

During extensive remodeling at the hospital over a recent three- month

period, inspectors said, 16 patients were found to have the fungus. Six of the

patients died at the hospital. An autopsy, performed on only one, discovered

" severe aspergillus bronchopneumonia of both lungs. "

_http://www1.va.gov/vasafety/docs/Aspergillus-SanDiego-3-29-2000.doc_

(http://www1.va.gov/vasafety/docs/Aspergillus-SanDiego-3-29-2000.doc)