Healthcare Facility Inspection of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Pennsylvania

VA Office of Inspector General · Report 26-00047-288 · October 6, 2026 · Office of Healthcare Inspections

What the OIG found

OIG inspected the Pittsburgh system from March 24 through 26, 2026, reviewing a highest-complexity facility that provided direct care to about 93,000 patients in fiscal year 2025 across five domains: culture, environment of care, patient safety, integrated veteran care, and the veteran-centered safety net. All four recommendations came from environment of care, where inspectors found dust on patient care surfaces and supply shelves, portable medical equipment overdue for inspection and testing, unsecured power strips and stretched electrical cords, and employees who could not explain proper pharmaceutical waste disposal procedures. No recommendations arose in the other four domains, including the review of test-result communication and of primary and community care access. OIG recommended the Director ensure patient care areas and storerooms are kept clean, equipment is inspected and tested, pharmaceutical waste containers are provided and staff trained on their use, and power strips and cords are secured to fire and electrical codes.

Who it concerns

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Pennsylvania

Why it matters to a family

For families, the concerns are physical and immediate: the cleanliness of the rooms where a loved one is treated, whether medical equipment has been maintained on schedule, and basic electrical safety in patient care areas.

The official report

The OIG’s report page · Full report (PDF)

Summary ours; the report is the OIG’s. Read it at vaoig.gov →