Hospital group defends Dallas hospital

A national group on Thursday defended the Dallas hospital at the center of three confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is a “fine organization” with a “long and distinguished history of delivering quality care in its community,” American Hospital Association President Rich Umbdenstock said in a statement. 

{mosads}“Their staff has worked tirelessly to conquer this challenge and to continue to deliver high-quality care to their patients and community under extraordinary circumstances. They have and deserve our complete support and admiration,” he added. 

The hospital has been under increased scrutiny after treating Thomas Eric Duncan, the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the U.S. who died last week. Since then two of the hospital’s nurses have tested positive for the virus. 

Briana Aguirre, a nurse for the hospital who treated a fellow healthcare worker who contracted the disease, said in an interview aired Thursday morning that she “can no longer defend” the hospital, which also came under fire from a nurses union earlier this week. 

Dr. Daniel Varga, chief clinical officer for Texas Health Resources, which overseas the hospital, told lawmakers in written testimony that those involved in apparent missteps “are deeply sorry.”