The findings of the review into the performance of New York City Health +
Hospitals (H+H) to the COVID-19 pandemic conducted by the Office of the Comptroller.
The Comptroller’s investigation, examining the City’s response to lead in the period between January 1, 2013 and October 10, 2018, includes a number of findings that demonstrate the need for increased coordination in the City’s fight against lead exposure.
The challenges of retaining permanent nurses and the growing spending on higher-cost agency and traveling nurses pose risks to H+H’s financial stability and undermine the City’s commitments to both its public sector employees and its patients.
The Kings County Hospital has inadequate controls over its inventory of
noncontrolled drugs and medical and surgical supplies. There is a gross discrepancy of 71
percent between the amounts on hand and the amounts recorded in Other Than Personal Services (OTPS).
Therefore, there are extensive record-keeping and security weaknesses found. There was also unrestricted
access to the Pharmacy stockroom, and noncontrolled drugs were issued without proper authorization.
From an audit conducted on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, it was concluded that the department's implementation of the Enhanced Pest Control Program successfully improved pest control efforts, as executed by the Office of Pest Control Services. However, the department must improve its organization and oversight for more effectiveness.
From an audit conducted on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, it was determined that the department's Electronic Death Registration System is not functional. It could not be determined whether business and system requirements and goals were met and whether the design allows for innovation. In addition, reports of the system's development were falsified and the development was not checked for quality assurance. The department must follow rules and provisions to address these issues.