Unsterile Colonoscopy Equipment at VA Hospitals!!!

usakat

10 people have been diagnosed with liver disease - Hepatitis B & C - after being exposed to improperly sterilized colonoscopy equipment at several VA hospitals. Thousands more were also exposed and are being advised to seek blood testing. Please read the attached articles.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29916792/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29842788/

Need I say more about government healthcare? I know several clinics for active duty military where I've been treated lack reasonable cleanliness and quality equipment. Luckily for me, my Primary Care Manager/Doctor is a civilian and sends me outside military sources for oncology and gynecology. Because of this I have received much better care.

If you know of anyone (Babs???) who may have received treatment/colonoscopy/EGD at a VA hospital, please let them know they should speak with their doctor about blood testing.

usakat

Another Article
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510271,00.html

Unknown

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usakat

unknown said:

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Yes, Vets and Active Duty Members DO DESERVE BETTER!
Actually, all of America deserves better!

No Babs, I have not heard the story of the hospital in England where patients died of neglect, but I have heard of horror stories here of convalescent hospitals where similar things happened. It's a crying shame when things like this would happen at any facility that serves people's health needs, especially in prosperous countries like America and Great Britain, and even other countries who have the means to provide the best.

I'm NOT a Sean Hannity fan, but I caught his show the other day and a featured guest was Daniel Hannon, Member of European Parliament, representing Southeast England. He spoke of the health care system in England and shared some of what he believes to be it's flaws. I think his thoughts are certainly worth careful consideration. I found him to be very engaging, passionate about his beliefs, and sincere in his desire to bring awareness of what his and our governments are doing.

Check out the interview - health care discussion starts at about 3:50 into the interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCcPhdfoNyw

Ultimately and personally, I believe the American people should be given the choice to vote on whether or not an extensive or wholesale change to our health care system should occur. The government should be compelled to present a detailed and precise plan to the American people and then let us decide in a democratic way. My personal opinion is that keeping our health care in the free market, with the inherent free market competition, serves to give us the ability to choose our own levels of coverage and care, and gives us the opportunity to obtain what WE deem quality care. And like I said in an earlier post, I believe each citizen is far better equipped to provide for themselves than the government ever could be. And again, like I said in that earlier post, our government has not demonstrated a good track record for properly managing money and services (think of medicare, medicaid, VA health, IRS, and even the post office - http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10072753 ).

My hope for us is that all Americans will stop and carefully and considerately ask themselves, "is this REALLY what I want and need?" It's like that old saying about being careful what you ask for because you just might get it....

"A government that is big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away."
Barry Goldwater

"We still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping at the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretenses for revenue and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without a tribute."
Thomas Paine - Founding Father whose words still resonate

dianetavegia

Hubby
My husband WAS to receive his colonoscopy AT the VA but they were so 'backed up' (their words but oh how funny) so he was sent to a private facility. Whew!

usakat

dianetavegia said:

Hubby
My husband WAS to receive his colonoscopy AT the VA but they were so 'backed up' (their words but oh how funny) so he was sent to a private facility. Whew!

Thank Goodness, Eh?
I'm sure you would agree that the care outside the VA, and for me outside the military, in the private sector is far superior.

Imagine if there was no place else to go...that you just had to wait? Kind of like the DMV...

CherylHutch

usakat said:

Thank Goodness, Eh?
I'm sure you would agree that the care outside the VA, and for me outside the military, in the private sector is far superior.

Imagine if there was no place else to go...that you just had to wait? Kind of like the DMV...

Health Care problems
You all really do have problems down there don't you?

Each time I hear another horror story, I count my lucky stars and the universe that I am in a country where I get to go to the private sector and see private doctors/specialists/hospitals/etc., get private care and the treatment that I need and yet I don't have to worry how I'm going to foot the bill since the government pays the bill. We DO have a Veteran's Affairs department up here but our veterans can go to their own family doctors/specialists/etc. just like joe public... mind you, our veterans do get over and above just the medical benefit. They get hearing/hearing devices, homecleaning, dental, home care nursing (if required) and whatever resources they may need if it will keep them in the comforts of their own home rather than in a hospital setting.

I feel for you all down there! I, now, don't see it changing in our lifetimes. Even just from the small cross-section of folk here, the ones who speak up are the ones who don't want it to change... so the squeaky wheel will get the grease. If the majority don't want it to change, whether out of fear, propaganda or they just don't understand what a change could/would mean.. then it won't happen. There has to be the desire for change and then the efforts of many to make the change happen... that goes for anything. I have to admit, it's been an eye opener for me but also a huge learning experience.

I'm rootin' for you all!

Cheryl

Unknown

usakat said:

Thank Goodness, Eh?
I'm sure you would agree that the care outside the VA, and for me outside the military, in the private sector is far superior.

Imagine if there was no place else to go...that you just had to wait? Kind of like the DMV...

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