Earlier this year, it was found that unclean medical equipment at VA medical facilities might have infected thousands of patients with disease. VA has been investigating since February.and reports that the health risk has been addressed.
Veterans hospitals fell under controversy after it was discovered earlier this year that deadly diseases may have been spread to thousands of patients who were given colonoscopies and endoscopies with unclean medical equipment. VA’s Office of Inspector General says it has investigated every VA medical site that uses endoscopic equipment, and reports finding only one discrepancy – a typographical error in certification paperwork – at one of the 129 medical sites it investigated.
VA has notified individuals who were potentially exposed, offering them free examinations and health care. VA reports that 99 percent of these patients have been contacted, and that 56 of them are possibly infected – though it is unclear if endoscopic equipment was the cause.
A national information line at (877) 345-8555 is available for patients and their families.
- Veterans Benefits