BLUE HILL, Maine - An inspection report says a Maine hospital failed to safeguard medical records and left some in locations where cleaning staff could access them.The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital was "not in substantial compliance" with requirements when inspections concluded in July. The Bangor Daily News reports the hospital has submitted a plan to correct the problems.
The report states patient records were improperly stored in two of three inpatient units and one of seven outpatient areas. Confidential records in the hospital's wound clinic were kept in a closet that housekeeping staff could access.
The report also states unsanitary dish conditions were present. That issue is listed as having been corrected in August. The hospital is a 25-bed critical access facility.