VA FACILITIES \ Most serious cases

In a review ordered by Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson, the department identified 1,100 problems at the department's network of 1,400 health clinics and hospitals. Some 10 percent of the problems were deemed serious. In almost all cases, the problems are being corrected by the individual VA clinics and hospitals. The following are excerpts from the report involving the most serious cases requiring special attention and follow-up review:
HUDSON VALLEY-MONTROSE, N.Y.
Mold in ceiling of patient clinic in Building 6 at FDR Campus. VHA Director of Environmental Programs dispatched 3/15/07 to review site.
Short-term solution is to replace the ceiling tiles (currently being implemented).
HUDSON VALLEY-MONTICELLO, N.Y.
Numerous environmental conditions, including mold issues, moisture problems and external items such as the parking lot and a retaining wall being cracked and/or in need to repaving. VHA Director of Environmental Programs dispatched 3/15/07 to review site.
Landlord has been unresponsive to addressing various environmental issues. Consequently, the facility has submitted a Relocation Authorization request to find new space and will be vacating this building in September 07.
NEW YORK HARBOR HCS (NEW YORK CAMPUS)
Stained ceiling tiles 18th floor, 17th floor, 6th floor (OPC Building), 2nd floor, 1st floor & amp; Main Entrance due to leaks from a 25-year-old roof.
Ongoing -- immediate correction is to replace stained tiles when they occur. Will add PM mechanic staff via upward mobility program to augment this practice. Long term solution requires replacing existing roofs.
WHITE CITY, ORE.
Pest maintenance: We have one of the largest colonies of Mexican Wing-tailed bats in the area. Occasionally they get into the interior areas of the buildings instead of just the attics.
We have an aggressive and effective pest control policy and personnel that take care of the situation as it develops. Eradication has been discussed but the uniqueness of the situation (the number of colonies) makes it challenging to accomplish.
Also, the bats keep the insect pollution to a minimum which is beneficial. Bats have been tested and will be tested as required. No indication of disease has been present.
GREATER LOS ANGELES
Building 207: This building is leased to the Salvation Army Homeless Program. The Medical Center identified that maintenance issues were not being adequately addressed by the group including the need for carpet, window treatments, ceiling tiles, ceiling grids, painting and some wall repairs.
Will work with the Salvation Army to immediately bring the space up to VA standards. Due to the lead time involved in purchasing carpet and window (treatments), the final repairs probably won't be completed for at least a month.
RUSHVILLE, NEB.
Safety, cleanliness and accessibility of this leased space do not meet VA standards.
Rushville space was vacated on 3/12/07. VA Black Hills Healthcare system has contracted for new space in Alliance, Nebraska, to provide the services previously provided at Rushville.
Source: Associated Press
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