Florida Officials Question HCA Healthcare After Report Goes Viral

Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Gus Bilirakis have requested information from HCA Healthcare after reports that its Bayonet Point Hospital deteriorating building conditions in Hudson, Florida has compromised patient care, NBC News reports.  

As previously reported by Healthcare Facilities Today, the hospital allegedly has unsanitary surgical instruments, inadequate monitoring of ICU patients, an overflowing emergency department and anesthesiology errors that resulted in patients waking up while in surgery. In addition, photos provided evidence of ceiling leaks in recovery rooms, oxygen equipment held together with tape, bloody and backed-up sinks, wires dangling from a hole in the wall and cockroaches in the operating room.  

Since the report went viral, Sen. Rubio and Rep. Bilirakis sent a letter to HCA on March 20 saying, “As a leading healthcare provider in the community and a recipient of American Taxpayer dollars, it is critical that HCA Florida Bayonet Point prioritizes the health and safety of their patients and staff and is transparent about these standards with the public.” 

According to NBC News, the lawmakers requested HCA provide information to eight questions, including what the hospital is doing to address allegations in the report and how much of the hospital’s budget is devoted to patient safety. The officials also asked how HCA ensures that appropriate staff-to-patient ratios are maintained.  

“We are proud of the quality care provided at the hospital and we welcome the chance to share information with Senator Rubio and Congressman Bilirakis,” a spokesperson for the hospital said in a statement to NBC News.  

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor for the facilities market.