Myles Deering, executive director of the Oklahoma VA center, which is designed to provide nursing care to veterans, said the maggots were discovered while 73-year-old Owen Peterson was alive, but the maggots did not play a role in his death. Instead, Mr. Peterson died Oct. 3 of sepsis resulting from an infection, Mr. Deering told the World
Mr. Deering said staff members discovered the maggots and the organization reported the incident to the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the district attorney to see if charges should be filed, according to the report.
The VA center reportedly conducted an internal investigation into the incident. A physician’s assistant and three nurses, including the director of nursing, resigned in the wake of the investigation, according to the report.
Jamie Dukes, a spokesperson for the state DOH, said the agency received the incident report on Oct. 13. Ms. Dukes said based on the report, DOH officials concluded that “the [VA center] fully investigated the incident and took any appropriate actions,” according to the article.
District Attorney Jeff Smith said his office had not yet received the report, but was made aware of the incident by the VA facility.
Becker’s Hospital Review reached out to the Oklahoma VA center for comment. A spokesperson for the VA center said the agency is no longer commenting on the incident because the investigation has been officially closed.
More articles on quality:
How does hospital patient room design affect HAI rates?
Cancer cases, deaths worldwide in 2015: 5 findings
How one device can decrease the prevalence of postoperative delirium
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
