Sewage backup contaminated surgical instruments at VA hospital

Sewage backup contaminated surgical instruments at the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Va., according to an article on the Richmond Times-Dispatch website.

A clogged toilet in a first-floor restroom caused a backup and subsequent leak of contaminated water that spilled into a basement area where medical instruments are sterilized. A foreign object was flushed down one of the toilets.

The affected area was evacuated as hospital safety personnel worked to determine the cause of the spill. The area was secured to minimize the impact on the space and employees. Patients areas were not affected.

Sewage spilled on HVAC units, pipes, walls and carpeting in the basement. Cleanup and restoration efforts began immediately.

Read the article.