We recently blogged about veterans who died or were seriously injured while waiting for appointments and care at several Veterans Administration (VA) facilities throughout the US.
The first signs of negligence surfaced after inside sources revealed that a VA facility in Phoenix, Arizona had a secret waiting list for veterans, leveling accusations that at least 40 American veterans died while waiting for medical care. Phoenix’s secret waiting list was part of an elaborate scheme designed by Veterans Affairs managers who were trying to hide the fact that 1,400 to 1,600 veterans were forced to wait months to see a physician.
The VA requires its hospitals to provide care to patients in a timely manner, typically within 14 to 30 days.
Since then, numerous whistle-blowers from other VA hospitals across the US have spoken up about the growing problem.
According to CNN, a team was sent to Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville after discovering a list of patients needing follow-up appointments. The schedulers kept a separate patient list on paper instead of in the VA’s electronic computer system, where it should be kept. The VA’s Office of Inspector General has opened an investigation, and three members of the Gainesville VA’s supervisory staff have been placed on paid leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
I Am a Veteran That is Still Waiting for a VA Appointment. What Should I Do?
If you are a veteran who is still currently waiting to receive medical care at a VA facility, or if delayed treatment from the VA resulted in your condition getting worse, call Colson Hicks Eidson today. This gross negligence cannot be tolerated, and we can help you get the medical treatment and financial compensation you need.
Colson Hicks Eidson – Injury Attorneys
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/19/politics/va-scandal-florida/
