Persistent Insect Infestation Forces LA Veterans Hospital To Cancel Or Postpone Dozens Of Surgeries
“The fact that VA has waited for more than two years to properly address this, I think underscores leadership failure at the highest levels," said Eric Hannel, former investigator for the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
The Hill:
VA Hospital Cancels Dozens Of Surgeries Due To Insect Infestation: Report
A Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Los Angeles was forced to close operating rooms for 22 days between 2016 and 2018 due to a persistent infestation of insects. A local CBS News investigation found that the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center has installed at least 200 flytraps to deal with an infestation of Phorid flies in operating rooms that has plagued the building since at least November of 2016. (Bowden, 5/2)
CBS Los Angeles:
CBS2 Investigation: Flies In Operating Rooms Force VA Hospital To Postpone More Than 80 Surgeries
Here is a full script of [reporter David] Goldstein’s investigation. (Goldstein, 5/1)
In other hospital news —
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
Strike Looms At UCSD, Hospital Delays Surgeries
A threatened strike involving three different unions could impact everything from surgeries to trash collection at University of California campuses across the state. Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have notified university leadership that they intend to strike from Monday, May 7, through Wednesday, May 9, over wages and other labor practices. Sympathy strikes by the California Nurses Association and the University Professional and Technical Employees Union are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday. (Sisson, 5/2)