An inspector paid a surprise visit to the Veterans Affairs hospital in Decatur to check for COVID-19 screening and readiness and found looming problems, such as staffing shortages and possible shortages of equipment.
The Veteran's Affairs Office of Inspector General released a report Thursday after it sent unannounced and unidentified staffers to check more than 50 VA health facilities across the U.S.
The Decatur hospital scored well on screening visitors, but workers in the assisted living center on the hospital campus were willing to let the surprise visitor in despite the “no visitors” policy, the report says.
After the surprise visitors identified themselves, facility leaders were asked about current and anticipated shortages of medications, personal protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, and protective masks, and the availability of ICU and other beds.
The Decatur hospital did not anticipate medication shortages, but it did have concerns about the shortage of protective gear. This has been an ongoing and publicized problem with all hospitals across the U.S.
Facility leaders expressed concerns related to supplies needed to test patients for COVID-19, the report says That is also a nationwide problem.
The Decatur hospital reported it had or expected a shortage of nurses in wards and intensive care units and also of police officers.
“While almost half (25 of 54) of the facilities reported a rise in absenteeism of staff, facility leaders reported being able to provide coverage so that the impact was minimal,” the report says. “Half of the facilities reported a rise in absentee staff due to childcare issues, school closures, and planned spring break absences. One facility reported absenteeism of older employees due to concerns with their own safety in light of COVID-19 risks”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked the Decatur hospital Friday afternoon about its planned responses to address the shortcomings and is waiting for the reply.
