AP: Many Military Veterans' Health Clinics Beset With Mold, Leaky Roofs

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

(03-21) 13:41 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) --

The Veterans Affairs' vast network of 1,400 health clinics and hospitals is beset by maintenance problems such as mold, leaking roofs and even a colony of bats, an internal review says. The investigation, ordered two weeks ago by VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, is the first topdown review of the facilities conducted since the disclosure of squalid conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

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The report found that 90 percent of the 1,100 problems cited were deemed to be of a more routine nature: worn-out carpet, peeling paint, mice sightings and dead bugs at VA centers.

The other 10 percent were considered serious and included mold spreading in patient care areas. Eight cases were so troubling they required immediate attention and follow-up action, according to the 94-page review.

Some of the more striking problems were found at a VA clinic in White City, Ore. There, officials reported roof leaks throughout the facility, requiring them to "continuously repair the leaks upon occurrence, clean up any mold presence if any exists, spray or remove ceiling tiles."


Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/21/america/NA-GEN-US-Veterans-Care.php

[starroute]

1. Some of this reads like a Monty Python sketch

In addition, large colonies of Mexican Wing-tailed bats resided outside the facility and sometimes flew into the attics and interior parts of the building.

"Eradication has been discussed but the uniqueness of the situation (the number of colonies) makes it challenging to accomplish," according to the report, which said the bats were being tested for diseases. "Also, the bats keep the insect pollution to a minimum which is beneficial."

[PinkyisBlue]

2. You go with the VA hospitals and health clinics that you have....

not the hospitals and health clinics you wish you had.

Who would have thought, with a long, protracted "war on terror", there would be any need for veterans health care facilities?

[gimama]

3. VA 's ..don't they belong to the American PEOPLE?

WE need to start demanding Answers & ACCOUNTABILITY. Where's all the $$$ going?

I have been trying to get dc to look into Walter Reed Ward 54,the Psych facility. I have alot of anecdotal info, but no real facts;most recent was a field hearing w/Togo West,on the Cspan.

UPI Mark Benjamin reported 2+years ago"US Casualties in Iraq Under-reported by over 17,000"(!)..but the point that got me on this issue was his reporting that some 800 of those medevaced from Iraq"became psychotic". Where did those 800 go? Then what? How are the Families? Many times, ptsd doesn't kick in for months or years. We aren't prepared for the new cases of Young Ones, or cases of VietNam Vets & Others who find these days in Iraq a terrible trigger. I've emailed, called DC (& msm)about this ever since I read that article.

Also, the recent Bob Woodruff interview with Nicholson,theVA report stated there were 10's of 1,000's of diseases reported in these returning & hospitalized Soldiers & Vets..
Where's that report? What diseases?
How's that whole depleted uranium ("du")thing going? Wouldn't be bad side effects of the anthrax vaccines that are mandated, but not proven safe?
What the heck are the Troops bringing HOME,& when is the guvment going to tell US the TRUTH? WE can handle any thing, WE can take CARE of these Soldiers,just give US the TRUTH.
I call DC electeds'offices, they seeem aware of the 2 issues,but I get little response. Suggestions?

[maddezmom]

4. K&R

:kick:

[SpiralHawk]

5. Why do republicons HATE our honorable US veterans?

They trash our vets verbally, screw them at Walter Reed and now all these clinics. Never mind that they lied to our soldiers about Iraq to begin with.

Why do the republicons HATE our vets ?

Is is because ALL the republicons leaders are chickenhawks, and ashamed of it? I think so.

[qwlauren35]

6. I'm still waiting...

When does action get taken????

When do funds get allocated?

I would feel better about this $%^&**( war bill, if funding for the VA hospitals was attached. I wonder why it isn't...

[Thothmes]

7. Veterans Hospitals

Unfortunately, these conditions have existed in VA facilities for much longer than G. Bushes tenure in the White house. I recall vets in the mid sixties telling me they shot rubber bands at the mice and roaches in their ward,for something to do. I have had many occasions to visit VA facilities over the last 40 years. A few were ok, but most of them I would not be caught dead in. The material condition of VA facilities has been an ongoing problem for decades, irregardless of who sits in Congress or the White House.