New Hampshire VA report addresses claims of flies in OR, dirty surgical tools

After a whistle-blower complained of medical neglect, dirty surgical instruments and flies in an operating room at Manchester (N.H.) Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a VA report cleared the hospital of wrongdoing and neglect related to veteran care, according to The Boston Globe.

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A 50-page report from the VA’s Office of Medical Inspector revealed there are flies in one of the operating rooms, but that room is not used, and the surgical instruments were not dirty, but Manchester’s water supply had discolored them.

The whistle-blower also claimed nearly 100 veterans were neglected and suffering from a rare spinal condition that could lead to paralysis if left untreated, but investigators found the treatment of only six patients out of 97 did not meet care standards, according to the report.

“While there were several confounding factors contributing to significant challenges, we found that Manchester VA clinical staff members involved in direct patient care are very engaged and appropriately concerned about the clinical care of veterans,” the report said.

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