Negligence at St. Louis hospital exposes veterans to HIV and Hepatitis

An internal inspection at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in March led to the alarming discovery that dental tools were cleaned by hand with soap and water instead of using a special detergent, a measure that does not guarantee sufficient removal of bacteria.

According to experts, the instruments need to be processed through sanitizing machines before being sterilized in order to be safe for reuse.

"The mistakes made at the St. Louis VA Medical Center are unacceptable, and steps have been and continue to be taken to correct this situation and assure the safety of our veterans," said VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.

There have been other instances when the VA hospitals have been embroiled in issues linked with unsanitary medical equipment. In June 2009, around 3,400 patients who had undergone colonoscopy were informed that they may have been infected by contaminated endoscopes used in the procedure.

Certified letters sent to all affected patients
The VA sent certified letters to all patients who received dental care between Feb. 1, 2009 and March 11, 2010, whose health may have been jeopardized by the procedural lapse.

The letter reads, "We deeply regret that this situation occurred and we assure you that we are taking all the necessary steps to make certain that testing is offered quickly and results communicated timely.”

The letter adds, "We want you to know that the staff at the St. Louis VA Medical Center is doing everything possible to address this situation and prevent it from occurring again."

Though the element of risk is quite low, the VA could not nullify it completely and felt it was vital to create an awareness of the situation. They are now offering free tests to all those treated during the 13-month period.

As of Thursday, 184 veterans had already signed up to get tested for a variety of infections. Thus far, no infection has been detected in about 100 veterans who have received the blood tests.

Other issues with unsanitary equipment
There have been other instances when the VA hospitals were embroiled in issues linked with unsanitary medical equipment.

In June 2009, around 3,400 patients who had undergone colonoscopy were informed that they may have been infected by contaminated endoscopes used in the procedure.

Other instances of neglect unearthed during an inspection were rags and disposable gloves strewn about, dirty bathrooms, soiled linen mixed with clean supplies, and filthy examination tables with dried blood and medicines.

Vets neglected so badly that they developed bedsores and dangerous infections.