Oxnard Hospital Undergoes Major Mold Cleanup

January 4, 2006

POSTED: 5:43 pm PST January 3, 2006

UPDATED: 6:12 pm PST January 3, 2006

OXNARD, Calif. -- One of Ventura County's largest health care

centers is facing a health issue of its own.

Images

St. 's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard Tuesday is undergoing a

major clean-up over a mold contamination problem, although the

hospital assured the community that the mold is not threatening

patient care, NBC4 reported.

Built in 1992, St. 's serves a community of about 200,000 people.

But for the last two years, the hospital has been trying to rid

itself of mold.

Hospital administrators were tight-lipped about the specifics of the

mold contamination, but large areas of the hospital's exterior are

sealed in plastic, and workers from an environmental remediation

company are removing materials in sealed plastic bags, NBC4 reported.

Work crews left the hospital in safety gear, also with sealed

plastic bags, NBC4 reported.

In a prepared statement, the hospital said:

" We are confident that the mold does not present a health hazard to

patients, employees, or visitors. Hospital management and infection

control professionals have taken additional steps to assure that the

mold will not become a problem in the future. "

Former patients, however, are worried.

" I would want to know if it would affect my future outcome of any

sort or a cold or anything that developed shortly thereafter, "

Rubino said.

a Mendoza said the hospital has a responsibility to be

completely open with the community.

" Because it's my health, " Mendoza said. " And especially, I have

breathing problems. I have asthma and stuff, so, of course. They

have to inform you. "

The hospital is suing at least 15 contractors they hired to clean up

the mold and didn't, according to the hospital, NBC4 reported.

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