Tag: Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center

US Attorney: Investigation Into VA Deaths a 'Top Priority'

A U.S attorney is confirming that federal authorities are investigating suspicious deaths at a Veterans Affairs hospital in West Virginia, as more federal officials demand answers.

Sen. Joe Manchin and VA Secretary Robert Wilkie have called for an expedited investigation of up to 11 suspicious deaths at the facility in Clarksburg. At least two have been classified as homicides.

U.S. Attorney Bill Powell said in a statement on Friday that the “ongoing and comprehensive federal criminal investigation” into the deaths of some patients at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center began as soon as potential criminal activity was discovered and is a top priority.

Powell said he understands the call for a speedy resolution. He declined to comment further to protect the integrity of the investigation.
 

Officials: VA Hospital Intentionally Skewed Patient Data

Officials say a West Virginia Veterans Affairs medical center intentionally skewed patient data to reduce both the reported wait times and the volume of patients.

  The U.S. Office of Special Counsel said in a news release last week that a whistleblower prompted the investigation of the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg. Officials say that over the last seven years, a manager at the facility urged nursing staff to place emergency patients into two unofficial clinics rather than record the encounter. The decision, among other things, caused an inaccurate analysis of staff workload.

Officials say the VA also improperly coded patient encounters for medical purposes and charged 602 veterans an incorrect copayment.

The medical center’s spokesman, Wesley Walls, says the skewing only affected the Clarksburg facility.

Veterans Crisis Center Coming to Clarksburg

The long delays for veterans seeking medical care at VA hospitals have prompted The American Legion to plan a short-term crisis center in Clarksburg.

The veterans’ organization will open a “crisis command center” at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center on Aug. 5 and 6. A town hall meeting is set for Aug. 4 at American Legion Post 31 in Shinnston.

The organization made earlier stops in St. Louis, El Paso, Texas; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Phoenix.

A federal audit found that the average wait time at the Clarksburg VA Center is 54 for new patients seeking a primary care doctor, 86 days for a specialist and 96 days for mental health services.

Medical center director Beth Brown has said her data showed waiting periods far below those figures.

Exit mobile version