By Freddy Groves
A big thumbs-up to the whistleblower who ratted out a Department of Veterans Affairs surgeon who was carrying an empty alcohol bottle. Specifically, the bottle fell out of the scrubs in the surgical locker room.
OIG Report Findings
The report by the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) is scary to read when it concerns somebody who is going to carve up human bodies with scalpels. The surgeon was reported and, no, just being in possession of an alcohol bottle doesn’t specifically mean the surgeon was drinking on the job. But really, do you know anyone who carries around an empty alcohol bottle in their pocket who wasn’t drinking? When nothing was done immediately, a whistleblower called the state licensing board as well as the OIG.
Facility’s Response
Meanwhile, the surgeon was transferred to a different medical function — ordering prescriptions — away from direct patient care and was told to keep away from patients. The head of the facility believed that placing medication orders did not constitute patient care, so it would be OK.
Except it was learned that the surgeon didn’t understand “stay away from patients” and did contact a surgical patient — and was transferred again to a different function.
OIG’s Opinion and Facility’s Actions
The OIG’s opinion was that yes, prescribing medications did constitute direct patient care, and finally the facility leader decided to go for suspension of the surgeon.
The OIG report is a lengthy exploration of how those in charge can take steps while not understanding the rules and, oh, by the way, the hospital indicated that the surgeon didn’t actually treat any patients while banned from doing so. Except the OIG discovered paperwork that indicated the surgeon did indeed perform surgery on the same day that an empty alcohol bottle fell out of the pocket of the scrubs.
Staff Concerns and Retaliation Fears
When asked why they didn’t report the multiple problems with patient care they witnessed at the surgeon’s hands, staff indicated that they feared retaliation.
Resolution Timeline
It took 11 months, but the facility leaders eventually canceled the surgeon’s facility privileges while patients were potentially at risk the whole time.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
