New revelations of negligence, mismanagement and cover-ups within the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) seem to have become a weekly — even daily — occurrence at this point.
First, employees were caught falsifying records to cover up long wait times. Then CAVHCS director James Talton lied about firing the offending staffers, but instead got rid of the whistleblowers who initially brought the wrongdoing to light.
Since then there has been a steady stream of new allegations.
- At least 900 unread patient X-RAY tests – some showing malignancies – were lost until recently, and top hospital administrators tried to cover up the problem;
- The VA pulmonologist found to have manipulated more than 1,200 patient records was caught doing it again, and yet, went on to receive a “satisfactory performance” review;
- CAVHCS’ problems paying its bills on time are affecting its ability to depend on local hospitals to help with increased demand;
- Email records show the local VA director was alerted to concerns over patient scheduling discrepancies more than eight months before taking action.
On Monday, Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL2), whose office has been digging into allegations of problems at CAVHCS for the last several weeks, predicted that the flood of disturbing reports will likely continue.
“This isn’t over,” she said. “Expect more to come to light moving forward.”
“It is important for misconduct within the VA to be exposed,” Roby continued. “Only then can there be true accountability. I applaud those who have come forward with information to shed light on disturbing practices at the Central Alabama VA. There are many good, courageous people who truly respect our veterans and want to do the right thing.”
Roby encouraged individuals with “special knowledge” about troubling practices at the VA to submit it confidentially on her Congressional website.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
