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12 INFECTION CONTROL & PATIENT SAFETY Buffalo's Mercy Hospital Faces Lawsuits After 2 Patients Die From Sepsis Two Days Apart By Leo Vartorella T he families of two patients who underwent similar rou- tine, minimally invasive surgeries two days apart at Buf- falo, N.Y.-based Mercy Hospital in 2016 are suing the hospital after both of them died from sepsis in the days that followed their procedures, according to The Buffalo News. James Keane and Ellen Feeney were operated on by different surgeons 45 hours apart, but both suffered perforated bowels that led to sepsis and death, which their families argue could have been treated if hospital workers had identified the infec- tion quicker. Both families are represented by Donald Chiari of the Brown Chiari Law Firm, which lists Mercy Hospital and Buffalo, N.Y.-based Catholic Health as defendants. Mr. Keane underwent surgery for a hernia while Ms. Feeney was being treated for an ovarian cyst. Mr. Chiari alleges the hospital demonstrated gross negligence when it failed to identify and treat the sepsis in the patients. "According to the medical records in our possession, the hos- pital on at least five occasions failed to properly assess obvi- ous signs of infection and violated its own sepsis protocols by not notifying a physician," Mr. Chiari said of Mr. Keane's operation, according to The Buffalo News. n Wearing Long Sleeves During OR Patient Skin Prep May Reduce Airborne Contaminants By Anuja Vaidya U sing long sleeves and gloves when applying skin preparation solutions decreased partic- ulate and microbial shedding in several of the operating rooms tested for a study published in American Journal of Infection Control. Researchers examined mock patient skin prep per- formed in three different ORs. The mock skin prep was performed by individuals wearing a long-sleeved gown and gloves, or with bare arms. The study shows that despite there being no differ- ence in the average number of total microbes for all ORs assessed, the use of sleeves seemed to specifi- cally reduce the shed of Micrococcus. "Although long sleeves may not be necessary for all operating room personnel, they may decrease airborne contamination while the skin prep is applied, which may lead to decreased surgical site infections," study authors concluded. n Check out our most recent GLP Paper! www.tomimist.com/healthcare The only EPA Registered solution + equipment combination utilizing the unique technology of iHP™ for Hospital-HealthCare disinfecting 7.8% hydrogen peroxide only active ingredient No wipe, no rinse, no residue Compatible with a variety of materials including rubbers, finished surfaces, and all electronic devices Make SteraMist™ Your Disinfection New Year Resolution Solution!