Amata Visits Phoenix VA Hospital
Phoenix, AZ – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, a Member of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC), made her first visit to a VA facility on the mainland, since joining the committee in January.
"I wanted to see the VA complex in Phoenix to get an idea of what the ‘art of the possible' is for back home," said Amata. "I was particularly interested in this facility because it was the subject of so much negative attention a year ago; with stories of veterans with long wait times to see a doctor, and in some cases, passing away while waiting," continued Amata.
Aumua with Phoenix VA Hospital Director Dr. Glen Grippen, along with his Deputy Chief of Staff and Congressional Liaison
The Phoenix VA hospital is where long wait times for veterans seeking care and falsified records were first discovered. The findings spurred an internal investigation that found VA medical facilities throughout the nation were falsifying records to create the appearance that those veterans were receiving treatment in a timely manner. These disgraceful practices ultimately lead to the deaths of several veterans who were seeking care at the facility.
In response to the scandal, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, which addresses many of the issues discovered during the investigation into the falsified wait times. This landmark legislation which was signed into law last year, allows for greater flexibility as to where and who a veteran can seek medical treatment from; and also provides an avenue to discipline VA managers who are found to be neglectful in their duties, and other provisions.
"I will be meeting with the local Samoan community here in the Phoenix area, and I'm certain that there will be veterans among the group; so I want to be certain that they feel they are getting adequate attention from the VA. I look forward to visiting other VA facilities that are having troubles whenever I have the opportunity. I've asked the VA to identify whether or not there are Pacific Islander's under the care of the Phoenix facility, and if there's a chance between my meetings, I would like to visit them," continued Amata.
"Although my visit was impromptu, I was enormously pleased that Interim Medical Director, Dr. Glen Grippen and several of his senior staff took time to give me a tour of vital elements of the complex and answer my questions," concluded Aumua.
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