Healthcare Inspection Quality of Care Issues W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center Salisbury, North Carolina

The purpose of the review was to evaluate allegations regarding the emergency department (ED) at the Salisbury VA medical center. We did not substantiate that the patient’s treatment was delayed or that the ED staff did not complete a comprehensive assessment. We substantiated that the patient was improperly discharged to home from the ED and concluded that the implementation of an algorithm for treatment of stroke would be a reasonable step to address this issue. We recommended that the VISN Director ensure that the Medical Center Director completes the plan for development and implementation of an algorithm for ED patients with pre-stroke or stroke symptoms.