Report finds faulty steps in virus outbreak

BREMERTON, Wash. — Aerosol-generating procedures may have contributed to the spread of the coronavirus at a Bremerton hospital, which has confirmed at least 70 infections, according to a new report from the state Department of Health.

According to the findings, the outbreak at St. Michael Medical Center — one of CHI Franciscan’s 10 hospitals in Washington — possibly could be traced to procedures on asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, The Seattle Times reported.

The report, which said 54 cases had been confirmed, also said hospital staff were using personal protective equipment, or PPE, longer than recommended by current national guidelines.

The report also cites the timing of room turnover as another possible reason for exposure.

“Some staff present for (aerosol generating procedures) were not wearing N95s, only surgical masks and eye protection,” the report said. “Shorter than recommended room turnover may have exposed patients and staff.”

Aerosol-generating procedures often include intubation, extubation, transesophageal echocardiography or endoscopy, according to University of Washington Medicine. It was also not immediately clear from hospital officials why PPE had been used for longer periods than recommended.

The report also identified several areas “requiring immediate action,” including considering admitting oncology patients to hospitals without outbreaks, prioritizing testing staff members with the most vulnerable patients and providing additional staffing resources to assist with employee case investigations and infection prevention.

Cary Evans, CHI Franciscan vice president for communication and government affairs, said in a statement that staff is working to address concerns and state guidelines.