Like every American, I was shocked to learn of the serious deficiencies that occurred at the VA Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona and outraged at how our Veterans were being treated. I thoroughly reviewed the Inspector Generals report which found that inappropriate scheduling practices are systemic throughout the Veterans Health Administration. In addition, it found 1,700 veterans who were waiting for a primary care appointment but were not on the Electronic Waiting List. As a result, these veterans were and continue to be at risk of being forgotten or lost and may never obtain a requested or required clinical appointment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has also acknowledged that delayed cancer screenings played a role in the deaths of 23 patients nationwide. These practices are indefensible and inexcusable and have caused real harm to our veterans. General Shinseki has served our country with honor. He is a respected and decorated war hero. Nonetheless, the revelations that senior officials deliberately hid long wait times for Veterans seeking medical care and that these inappropriate scheduling practices are systemic throughout the Veterans Health Administration are unconscionable. In addition, the loss of life resulting from these delays is completely unforgivable. As a result, General Shinseki should step down. New leadership, additional resources, and more effective tools will be necessary to restore confidence in the management and operation of the VA and to guarantee that our Veterans receive the high quality and timely care they so richly deserve.
Posted on: Fri, 30 May 2014 14:19:44 +0000
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