An El Paso hospital has canceled all elective and non-emergency surgeries for three weeks after being notified its accreditation could be denied.
The El Paso Times cites University Medical Center of El Paso CEO Jim Valenti as saying inspectors found employees not following policy, incomplete documentation and preventative maintenance by technicians that didn't meet industry standards.
El Paso County Commissioner Vince Perez says no one told him or his colleagues about the denial before the county-run hospital announced the cancellations Saturday. He says the lack of communication shows the need for new leadership once Valenti's contract expires next year.
The Joint Commission, which accredits and certifies more than 20,000 health-care organizations and programs, notified the hospital of its denial Thursday.
UMC was given 23 days to correct the problems.
