Major leadership changes are underway at the VA Medical Center in Hampton after an investigation by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
The House committee launched an investigation after lawmakers said they met with people who work at the medical center in March to discuss the delivery of care after recent scrutiny.
Earlier this year, the House committee requested documents related to disciplinary actions against employees, patient safety reports related to the medical center’s surgical department and policy language on the medical center’s cleaning of exam and procedure rooms. The committee said they received credible complaints of employee retaliation, patient safety concerns and medical incompetence stemming from the Hampton Veterans Affairs facility and its surgical department. The allegations were brought by more than a dozen people.
As a result of the investigation, the committee announced it would replace its director, chief of staff and chief of surgery at the medical center, according to a statement from U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, the chair of the committee. The medical center will also address its anesthesiologist shortage, staff morale and allegations of retaliation. Other policy changes include increasing accountability in substandard care and ensuring medical facilities are properly cleaned and maintained.
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
