HHS report highlights hospitals’ challenges amid pandemic

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General today issued a new report highlighting numerous challenges facing hospitals amid the COVID-19 crisis. The report shines a spotlight on issues related to lab tests, personal protective equipment shortages and surge capacity challenges.

In a statement, AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said the report accurately captures the crisis that hospitals and health systems, physicians and nurses on the front lines face.

“Hospitals, health systems, physicians and nurses immediately need more PPE and testing supplies so they can diagnose their patients and additional beds and other critical equipment and supplies for patients such as oxygen, ventilators and IV poles,” Pollack said.

“While not in the OIG report, there are also shortages of critical drugs for patient care that must be addressed. The OIG report also highlights the tremendous strain – both physical and emotional – that this pandemic is putting on the shoulders of heroic physicians, nurses and other caregivers and their families, and why they need our support during this critical time.”