Press Releases
Following New Reports, Dingell & Walberg Question Patient Safety at Ann Arbor VA
Washington, DC,
December 11, 2015
Tags:
Veterans
Following reports that surgeries have resumed at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Tim Walberg (MI-07) are seeking assurances that the surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions. In November, Dingell wrote to Director Robert P. McDivitt following reports that surgeries for veterans had been canceled or moved to another facility because particulate matter was observed on sterile surgical equipment. This week, Dingell’s office was notified by concerned constituents that surgeries have resumed despite the continued presence of particulate matter on the equipment. “Patient safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System,” Dingell and Walberg wrote in a letter today to Director McDivitt. “We want to work with you to ensure that you have the resources you need to fix this problem as soon as possible, and we want to be partners with you in this effort. We also want to seek your assurances that the safety of patients continues to be your top priority and that surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions.” The full text of the letter is available here and below. December 11, 2015 Mr. Robert P. McDivitt Dear Director McDivitt: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We write as strong supporters of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ mission to care for those who have made numerous sacrifices for our nation. Subsequent to our conversation today, and following Congresswoman Dingell’s letter on November 23, 2015, we understand you have been working to identify the source of particulate matter that is being observed on surgical equipment and have taken steps to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, we have received calls telling us that surgeries have resumed despite the continued presence of particulate matter on surgical equipment. Patient safety must be the top priority at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. We want to work with you to ensure that you have the resources you need to fix this problem as soon as possible, and we want to be partners with you in this effort. Please let us know how we can assist you. We also want to seek your assurances that the safety of patients continues to be your top priority and that surgeries are not being conducted in unsafe conditions. We look forward to receiving your prompt response. Sincerely, Debbie Dingell Tim Walberg |