Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Pennsylvania

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
26-00047-288
VISN
1
State
Pennsylvania
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Healthcare Facility Inspection
Report Topic
Appointment Scheduling and Wait Times
Care Coordination
Community Care
Healthcare Infrastructure
Maintenance and Construction
Patient Care Services Operations
Patient Safety
Staffing
Supplies and Equipment
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 VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Pennsylvania.

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

The OIG made four recommendations for VA to correct identified issues in one domain: 
     •    Environment of care 
       o    Patient care area and storeroom cleanliness 
       o    Medical equipment inspection and testing 
       o    Pharmaceutical waste containers 
       o    Power strip and electrical cord safety
 

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 Director takes appropriate action for employees to keep patient care areas clean as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1608(1), Comprehensive Environment of Care Program and clean storerooms as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1761, Supply Chain Management Operations.

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

The Director takes appropriate action for employees to inspect and test all medical equipment as required by The Joint Commission standard PE [Physical Environment] 04.01.01.

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

The Director takes appropriate action so pharmaceutical waste containers are provided and accessible, and trains employees on container use as required by Veterans Health Administration Directive 1850.06(1), Waste Management Program.

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

The Director takes appropriate action so employees secure power strips as required by National Fire Protection Association’s Health Care Facilities Code, NFPA 99 and electrical cords are connected to prevent pulling or straining as required by National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.