Healthcare Inspection: Alleged Denial of After-Hours Care at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System's Knoxville Division, Knoxville, Iowa

摘要

The purpose of the inspection was to determine the validity of allegations that veterans who attempt to access care after 4:30 p.m. at the VA Central Iowa Health Care Systems Knoxville Division (KD) are being denied care. A complainant provided examples of three veterans who were allegedly denied care. We did not substantiate that the three veterans were denied care. The KD has not provided emergent or urgent care services since 1997. The system provided notice to all patients and stakeholders that, effective March 1, 2008, the hours of operation of the KD's Building 1 (administrative building) will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients with emergent or urgent care needs were reminded to go to the nearest community emergency room or dial 911. The system established an interdisciplinary transition committee to identify and address issues related to the change in operating hours. These included plans regarding safety, alarms, access, and establishing policy and procedures.