The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., is deficient both in providing appropriate patient care and in responding to problems, the Office of Special Counsel has said.
In a letter to the President regarding disclosures from two physicians at the Medical Center, OSC noted that the whistleblowers referenced in the letter are the fourth and fifth of seven Jackson VA employees in four years to disclose wrongdoing to OSC.
Past disclosures allege the use of dirty, rust-stained instruments and other unsterilized medical equipment, incorrect sterilization procedures in the Medical Center and inaccurate statements to the public and Congress about problems at the Medical Center, OSC said.
It said the VA confirmed allegations nurses were prescribing narcotics without proper licensure, as well as allegations of understaffing (including of supervisors), an incompetent radiological analysis and a cover up of missed diagnoses.
OSC said the Jackson VA’s response to the findings has been inadequate and requested an update within 60 days.
