Healthcare Facility Inspection of the Lovell Federal Healthcare System in North Chicago, Illinois

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
24-00614-72
VISN
12
State
Illinois
Wisconsin
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Healthcare Facility Inspection
Report Topic
Patient Care Services Operations
Patient Safety
Supplies and Equipment
Major Management Challenges
Healthcare Services
Recommendations
3
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 Lovell Federal Healthcare System in North Chicago, Illinois. 

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

The OIG issued three recommendations for VA to correct identified deficiencies in two domains:
   1.    Environment of care
     •    Endoscope storage
   2.    Patient safety
     •    Service-level workflows for test result communication
     •    External Peer Review Program deficiencies

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/12/2026

Executive leaders ensure staff properly store endoscopes.

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

The Medical Center Director ensures each service develops a workflow for the communication of test results.

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

The Medical Center Director ensures quality management staff report deficiencies identified from the External Peer Review Program to executive leaders, and staff take corrective actions as needed.