Patients complaint about high temperatures inside Durham VA Medical Center
DURHAM (WTVD) -- When the mercury rises later this week, people with loved ones at the Durham VA Medical Center are hoping its air conditioning will hold out.
The temperature inside the building was so uncomfortable Wednesday, that some patients and their families called ABC11 for help.
"It was hot. The nurses were making comments about the heat. One nurse said 'I think it's cooler outside than it is in the hallways,'" said the daughter of a patient who asked to remain anonymous.
A spokesperson for the hospital said a power surge Wednesday morning affected the air conditioning, causing the temperature to rise inside the building. Patients said wasn't the first time.
In a statement to ABC11, a spokesperson for the Durham VA Medical center wrote:
"This morning at approximately 6AM the Durham VAMC experienced a power surge. During this time- the chilling system within the air conditioning unit was down for approximately one hour. Around 7AM it was back up and running and we are also taking additional measures to reduce the temperatures quickly. At this time most of the temperatures within the hospital are at normal levels, but some areas within the Medical Center are a little warmer than usual.
Because of the increased warmth, we will continue to monitor and add additional spot coolers, fans and cooling systems where appropriate; specifically in inpatient areas to ensure our Veterans are comfortable. We will continue to work with our patients on an individual basis to ensure both comfort and safety. As always (this is a standard operating procedure) we continue to monitor the temperatures in all areas of the hospital."
With more heat and humidity expected for the remainder of the week, some worry it won't be enough for veterans already battling with their health.
"I know that it should be better. It can be better. This is not fair for our veterans," said a patient's daughter.
