Healthcare Facility Inspection of the Birmingham VA Health Care System in Alabama

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
24-00588-19
VISN
7
State
Alabama
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Healthcare Facility Inspection
Report Topic
Maintenance and Construction
Patient Care Services Operations
Patient Safety
Major Management Challenges
Healthcare Services
Recommendations
4
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Healthcare Facility Inspection program report describes the results of a focused evaluation of the care provided at the Birmingham VA Health Care System. 

This evaluation focused on five key content domains:
   •    Culture
   •    Environment of care
   •    Patient safety
   •    Primary care
   •    Veteran-centered safety net
 

The OIG issued four recommendations for improvement in two domains:
1.    Environment of care
   •    Separation of clean and dirty equipment and supplies
   •    Clean and safe environment
   •    Communication with sensory-impaired veterans
2.    Patient safety
   •    Identify opportunities for improvement, implement action plans, and evaluate actions for sustained improvement

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The OIG recommends that Veterans Integrated Service Network leaders ensure facility staff separate clean and dirty equipment and supplies to prevent cross-contamination.

No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The OIG recommends Veterans Integrated Service Network leaders ensure facility staff keep the environment clean and safe.

No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The OIG recommends that executive leaders ensure front desk personnel are competent in communicating with sensory-impaired veterans.

No. 4
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

The OIG recommends that facility leaders consistently identify opportunities for improvement, ensure staff implement appropriate action plans, and evaluate actions for sustained improvement.