Insect problem, other issues reported at Connecticut VA

Federal inspectors found unsanitary conditions, an insect problem and inadequate infection control in operating rooms at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System hospital in West Haven, according to a new report by the Inspector General's Office of the Veterans Administration. 

The agency issued a report recently that recommended that officials in West Haven strengthen policies and procedures for cleaning, implement policies and procedures on infection and insect control, and reassess cleaning staff assignments, according to an article on the Norwich Bulletin website.

"Although our findings substantiated an increased risk to patients and staff, we found no conclusive evidence that the environment of care deficiencies in the OR resulted in negative patient outcomes," the report said.

"We will continue to work with our team to make improvements to the environment and processes based on the (inspector general) recommendations and VA standards," a hospital statement said.

According to the article, Operating room staff told inspectors that flying and crawling insects have been a problem in the operating rooms for about eight years, and the hospital doesn't have a policy addressing insect problems.

Hospital staff told inspectors they would find debris and dust on the operating room floors under furniture and equipment; oxygen tanks, tubing and other equipment remained on the floor from the final procedure of the previous day; trash was not emptied; and restrooms were not clean.

The report said 19 percent of the cleaning staff is absent on an average workday, the article said.

Read the article.