Phoenix VA (Peterson) -Letter of support for VA

Lab

Victor Yu victorlyu@gmail.com

On 9/1/06, Peterson, Rick C <Rick.PetersonCQ2@va.gov>wrote:

Dr. Yu,

I would like to thank you for processing the Legionella water samples from the Phoenix VAMC in

July, 2006. I know that pressure existed to not process these environmental samples. And, I

understand that the dedicated staff of the Special Pathogens Laboratory worked without pay on

these specimens to fulfill their public health mission.

Fortunately you were able to get them done. The results we received were important for the

healthcare of our veteran patients. 65% of our water samples were positive. These results have

confirmed that the recent addition of copper/silver ionization to our domestic water system was the right thing to do. The staff of the Pittsburgh VA Special Pathogens Lab has worked with us every step of the way in our fight to rid our water system of Legionella. Not only with lab analysis but with development of a treatment strategy. Your Lab has brought deserved prestige to the OVA Healthcare System and improved our care of the veteran patients at the Phoenix VAMC.

With the help of you and Dr. Stout, our facility is on the way to significantly reducing the odds of

an outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease.

Thanks to you and your group.

 Rick Peterson

Plumbing and Mechanical Supervisor

Phoenix VA Medical Center

(602) 277-5551 ext 7122