Review Shows Military Health Clinics, Hospitals Beset By Mold, Leaking Roofs

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Review Shows Military Health Clinics, Hospitals Beset By Mold,

Leaking Roofs

Fox News

WASHINGTON — The U.S. 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 Army

Medical Center in Washington, the U.S. Army's flagship hospital.

A copy of the report was provided to The Associated Press.

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 in the Pacific northwest state of Oregon. 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. "

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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. "

In response, Nicholson this week ordered " immediate corrective

action " to fix problems, with full accounting provided to the VA. He

noted that an overwhelming majority of the issues were normal " wear

and tear " items.

In many cases where there were roof leaks or mold, officials had

begun action to order patches or repairs, the department said. In

some instances, they were moving to new facilities.

Walter is a military hospital run by the Defense Department.

Critics long have said problems of military care extend to the VA's

vast network, which provides supplemental health care and

rehabilitation to 5.8 million veterans.