Aging elevators at a Miami veterans hospital have injured at least a dozen people over the last two years, sparking serious safety concerns among staff and patients.
At a Glance
- Miami VA Medical Center elevators described as “death traps” by nurses’ union
- At least 12 people injured in elevator incidents over two years
- Employees report sudden drops and malfunctions in elevators
- VA management claims to be addressing safety concerns
- Broader infrastructure issues include faulty HVAC and roof leaks
Elevator Safety Concerns at Miami VA Hospital
The Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami is facing intense scrutiny over the safety of its elevators. Staff members have reported multiple incidents of elevators malfunctioning, including sudden drops and entrapments, leading to injuries and growing anxiety among employees and patients.
According to reports, at least a dozen people have been injured in elevator-related incidents over the past two years. One anonymous employee described a harrowing experience: “I get on the elevator, initially, I’m going to go to the second floor. The elevator skips the second floor, goes to the third, falls all the way back down to the first,” the employee said.
Employees at the Miami VA Hospital are raising concerns about malfunctioning elevators, with reports of sudden drops and safety issues adding to complaints about the aging facility.https://t.co/A42QFC7li5
— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) January 18, 2025
Union Concerns and VA Response
The National Nurses United Miami VA Chapter has been vocal about the elevator issues. Bill Frogameni, a registered nurse and Director of the chapter, didn’t mince words when describing the situation. “The hospital is supposed to be a place of healing. It is not supposed to have death trap elevators,” Frogameni said.
“Every time I step into an elevator, it’s like playing Russian roulette,” Eurys Gamez, a registered nurse and safety officer, told reporters.
In response to these concerns, a Miami VA Spokesperson stated, “When elevator issues arise, Miami VA Medical Center works to address them immediately. All Miami VAMC elevators are in compliance with current elevator safety standards.” However, this assurance has done little to alleviate the fears of staff and patients.
Broader Infrastructure Challenges
The elevator problems are part of a larger infrastructure crisis at the Miami VA Medical Center. A 2023 assessment found that all elevators in the 12-story building had parts in “poor or critical condition.” The facility also faces challenges with its outdated HVAC system and persistent roof leaks.
“This is a safety topic that needs to be tackled immediately,” Jeffrey Jones, a union representative, emphasized.
The VA has implemented some safety measures, including weight restrictions on elevators. However, a full replacement of aging equipment, including air handlers, is not expected until 2027. This timeline has left many questioning whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of veterans and staff in the meantime.
