Two congressmen from Illinois and Michigan are calling on Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, MD, to investigate possible patient safety issues at Marion (Ill.) VA Medical Center, according to The Southern Illinoisan.
Reps. Michael Bost, R-Ill., and Jack Bergman, R-Mich., the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, sent a letter to Dr. Shulkin Monday to outline their concerns. The lawmakers cited a memorandum dated May 31 and written by the VA National Center for Patient Safety program manager that said patient safety measures and staff morale have declined at the Marion facility since these care elements were last assessed in 2014.
"Specifically, the memo describes a 2015 visit by NCPS to investigate employee complaints pertaining to worsening organizational and patient safety culture at the facility," wrote the representatives. "Employees also alleged that senior leadership retaliated against them for reporting such problems. VA internal documents demonstrate a strong need for the Central Office to investigate and take action to address the safety concerns."
To read the complete letter, click here.
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