NAUS Legislative Director Rick Jones on meeting last Friday with VA Sec. Eric Shinseki: Veterans Secretary Shinseki calls VSO/MSO Meeting at VA to Discuss Phoenix Allegations and Ft Collins Findings 1. Main Message: Shinseki said he’s speaking publically to assure veterans that despite his call for an IG investigation to evaluate allegations of misconduct at the Phoenix hospital, the Phoenix hospital remains open for “safe, quality care.” In fact, he said, all VA health facilities are “safe.” VA, he emphasized, is “an advocate” for veterans, and vets should be “confident VA is there for them.” 2. Second “Breaking” Message: Shinseki has received today confirmation that an employee at Ft Collins, Colorado, manipulated health records to “game” the appointment report on scheduling. While he did not name the employee, Shinseki said “his” computer has been shut down and at the request of the IG, the employee has been suspended under administrative leave. More on the meeting: Regarding Phoenix, Shinseki said he first heard “the sound of the allegations” April 9 during Capitol Hill testimony of Dr. Lynch. Upon return to the Department, he found no one aware of what was alleged, so he immediately asked the Inspector General (IG) to investigate. Shinseki said he fully understands the seriousness of the allegations, calling the accusations “bothersome to me.” He referred again to his main message, namely, he wanted veterans to know VA would continue to serve vets safely at Phoenix. On recommendation of the IG, he put top Phoenix hospital officials on administrative leave starting 1 May. Regarding the Fort Collins issue, Shinseki said the employee was gaming the system “in non-compliance with VA standards.” At this point, Shinseki read a prepared statement that indicated Dr. Petzel, head of the VA health system, is directed to conduct a “nationwide review,” looking at how operations conduct “training.” Teams have been organized for the review and a “review format” has been devised for these VA teams to make an assessment of the situation to assure a “return to standards.”
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 11:42:05 +0000
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