Disability Law Claims Blog

Veterans face HIV risk from pumps at Miami-Dade VA Medical Center

It has been reported that veterans who underwent colonoscopies or gastrointestinal procedures at the VA Medical Center in Miami-Dade may test positive for HIV or hepatitis.

As I listened to the details of this story while on my way to work, I immediately felt the anxiety and nervousness the victims of the latest VA mishap must be feeling. I also felt anger over the VA's negligence, incompetence and irresponsibility.  

How could this have happened? 
(Excerpts borrowed from an article written by Robert Samuels and published by the Miami Herald on March 23.)

The hospital discovered March 4 that the water pumps -- which are attached to the tubes used during colonoscopies and gastrointestinal procedures -- were being rinsed but not disinfected.

This, John Vara, the Miami VA's chief of staff said, creates the slight chance that back-flow from the pumps could lead to serious or potentially deadly infections.

The pumps do not come into direct contact with the patient, Vara said. Though the risk of infection is low, he added that "any risk is unacceptable."

How many veterans are at risk?
About 3,260 veterans underwent the procedures, primarily colonoscopies, involving this type of water pump since May 2004.

What should you do? Who should you call?
Patients with concerns may call the Miami VA's call center at 305-575-7256 or 877-577-7256.

The VA has sent letters to about 2,500 of the veterans, who are still in the area, urging them to get blood tests.

Officials were trying to locate the other 700.