WASHINGTON, DC- Today Congressmen Melvin Watt (NC-12), Howard Coble (NC-6) and Robin Hayes (NC-8) sent the following letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight:

Dear Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer:

 

We recently received the enclosed report dated June 9, 2005, prepared by the VA Medical Inspector, and the enclosed report dated September 25, 2006, prepared by the VA Office of Inspector General.  These reports confirm that recent revelations of inadequate facilities and service to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital are not unique to this US Army flagship facility, but also exist at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, if not throughout all parts of the VA service system.

 

The Office of the Inspector General initiated the inquiry that resulted in the June 9, 2005 report, after allegations that inadequate care at the Hefner VA Medical Center Surgery Service resulted in patient deaths.  We assume that the September 25, 2006 report was a follow up to determine whether conditions and service had improved.  It appears that conditions had not substantially improved in the interim between the two reports. 

 

We would appreciate your Committee and staff investigating and broadening your oversight to include the problems at W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center at the same time that you and other committees of jurisdiction are looking at Walter Reed and with an equal level of inquiry.  Our veterans deserve appropriate top notch services and facilities at the flagship Walter Reed Hospital as well as at all other facilities serving them.

 

Sincerely,

 

Melvin L. Watt                             

Member of Congress

 

Howard Coble

Member of Congress

 

Robin Hayes 

Member of Congress     

                                                               

cc: House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Henry Waxman

     House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Tom Davis