United Spinal Appalled, Not Surprised by Report on Substandard Conditions at VA Care Centers Nationwide
Jackson Heights, NY–– “It was only a matter of time before the searchlight that illuminated the wretched conditions at some outpatient medical facilities at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center was turned on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) medical facilities as well,” said United Spinal Association’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Paul J. Tobin, “Not surprisingly, a similar lack of adequate funding, managerial failure, and the absence of meaningful accountability has resulted in a corresponding deterioration of the VA’s own facilities,” Tobin continued.
Spurred by the recent revelations at Walter Reed, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson initiated an investigation into the state of the VA’s 1,400 medical centers and clinics around the country. A report issued by the Veterans Health Administration, which oversees the VA’s healthcare delivery system, concluded that widespread disrepair of these facilities was evident and ranged from leaking roofs, mold, insect and rodent infestation (including bats), to worn-out carpets that harbor residue and bacteria from “patients personal accidents,” asbestos-laden ceiling tiles, and other hazards to patient safety. Disturbingly, exposed pipes and other fixtures from which patients could hang themselves were discovered in psychiatric facilities.
“While the VA has optimistically appraised the situation as involving mostly ‘wear and tear’ problems that can be remedied fairly easily and has even commented that bat infestations help to control the insect population, we are concerned that there is a systemic breakdown in the delivery of VA health care that cannot be repaired by a few coats of paint and insecticide. The maintenance problems are only the outward manifestation of insufficient resources, poor management, and little oversight,” Tobin stated. “The VA’s capacity to provide vitally needed care to current veterans and disabled service members returning in droves from Iraq and Afghanistan has been strained beyond its limits. The quality of the care that the VA can provide is in imminent jeopardy.”
United Spinal Association believes that innovative and immediate action is required to avoid a catastrophic failure to provide for the health and welfare of our nation’s veterans. It will require unprecedented cooperation between the administration, Congress, the military, and the VA to identify the causes underlying the VA’s deteriorating health care and benefits delivery programs, to address them head on, and to overcome institutional mindsets that impair the VA’s ability to keep pace with ever increasing demands.
“United Spinal Association is diligently monitoring the VA facilities that we visit to ensure that unacceptable conditions are reported and corrected quickly, and that emerging problems are addressed immediately before they fester into health and safety hazards,” Tobin noted. “We stand ready to assist Congress and the VA to develop the strategies necessary to remedy fundamental problems once and for all.”
United Spinal Association is a national veterans service and disability rights advocacy organization serving over 7,000 members. Established more than 60 years ago by a group of paralyzed World War II veterans, our efforts to secure better health care, accessible public buildings and transportation, and equal opportunities in the workplace have made United Spinal the fastest growing organization in the country dedicated to serving people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Today the legacy of those original veterans lives on through our expanded mission to serve all Americans living with paralysis or other mobility impairments. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org.