Bedford VA Medical Center Under Scrutiny After Veteran's Death

BEDFORD (CBS) -- Brigitte Darton says she her father, Vietnam veteran William Nutter, did not receive the proper care at the Bedford VA Medical Center.

Nutter, 68, died there in 2016 due to the negligence of nursing staff.

"He wasn't checked on all night. He was supposed to be checked on hourly, and he didn't get that," said Darton, who would visit her father daily before his death.

With a criminal investigation now underway, officials are calling for changes to prevent similar cases from happening. U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, who toured the VA facility with politicians on Saturday, said he was pleased with the overall care given at the Bedford VA Medical Center, but that Nutter's death is unacceptable.

"We have proposed a demotion for the former director of this medical center and she will not be returning to this medical center," said Shulkin.

"We have now announced the position of director. We already have ten candidates that have applied for that and our intention is to move forward with those interviews," he continued.

The nurse's aide who was caring for Nutter in 2016, was allegedly playing video games at the time of his death. She has been fired, according to Shulkin.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren said more needs to be done.

"We need more than just words, we need actions," she said. "And that is why I have asked the Secretary to expedite the VA inspector general's criminal investigation."

Sen. Ed Markey said the VA needs to ensure new whistleblower legislation is implemented fully.

"The only way we're going to protect our veterans is if we protect those people who are whistleblowers," said Markey.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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