LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport Missing More Than $3 million in Equipment

An Ark-La-Tex medical center is missing millions of dollars worth of equipment. That is according to a Louisiana Legislative Auditor's report posted just days ago. This is the second consecutive year the auditor has identified "a significant amount" of property unaccounted for at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. More than $3.1 million worth to be exact.

Of that $3.1 million, $1.3 million worth of computers and computer related equipment and more than $1.6 million in medical equipment are unaccounted for. The report also shows $1.5 million worth of radiology equipment was not recorded on inventory. The report also alleges that the hospital's management is not following its own rules and guidelines on tracking property. The auditor also says the hospital failed to immediately contact the Caddo District Attorney's office and the Office of the Legislative Auditor regarding 16 thefts of state property in 2006, totaling more than $12,000. According to the auditor's office, that's a violation of state law. 

KTAL contacted LSU Health Sciences Center for comment, however, they declined and directed us to the statement submitted to the auditor. The statement essentially says management is making efforts to locate all the missing property. It goes on to state that there is no explanation as to why the equipment disappeared. Hospital officials are tightening up procedures in an effort to better track equipment.