Florida Heart Surgery Law Bugs Tenet Healthcare

Last June, when a plaintiff's attorney publicized claims that Palm Beach Gardens had bug zappers in its operating rooms, the hospital denied the allegations. A hospital lawyer told the Associated Press that "there is no evidence of an infection problem."

But pest control documents, recently obtained by TheStreet.com, paint a chilling picture. For years, they show, Palm Beach Gardens struggled with -- but failed to correct -- an insect problem in its operating rooms. Correspondence between multiple exterminators and the hospital repeatedly mention, in some fashion, a "flying insect issue in the O.R." The exterminators identify specific insects -- crazy ants, fruit flies, fungus beetles, gnats -- and offer remedies to the problem. Their comments appear to grow more urgent as time goes on.

By March of 2001 -- years after the problem erupted -- special consultants were clearly suggesting one of the most expensive remedies possible.

"The problem is persisting because the old, wet materials in the roof were never removed when the roof was repaired," wrote C.D. Mampe, a DM Associates consultant with more than three decades of experience. "Since there is little or no air movement in the roof structure, this area will never dry out, and the fungus gnat problem will persist. ... The ultimate solution is to open up the roof, remove all wet organic materials and replace the roof."

Just one month later, the long-time exterminators who hired the consultant found themselves terminated from the job. But a replacement firm sounded similarly troubled when it took over.

"There are several areas of high priority such as the intensive care and operating rooms," Michael Brimanson of Bug Stoppers wrote in October of 2001. "We feel these areas should be treated as a zero-tolerance area for insects. ... The facility will require a considerable amount of attention and dedication."