Healthcare Inspection - Alleged Inpatient Care Issues, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Alvin C. York Campus, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

The purpose of this inspection was to determine the validity of allegations regarding a patient’s care while hospitalized at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. At the request of the Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, we reviewed allegations that during an April 2008 admission the patient was not given fluids, pain medication, or a nicotine patch. It was also alleged that the inpatient unit reeked of feces, the patient had to demand a catheter be removed because of pain, and a physician was rude and uncaring. Because we did not substantiate the allegations, we made no recommendations.