Veterans Show Up In Force To Complain About Care At Hines VA Hospital
(CBS) – Veterans around the country, including here in Chicago, finally had their say about the scandal surrounding the VA health care system.
The former military men and women packed an auditorium at the Hines VA Hospital to tell their personal stories.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker was there.
Muhammad Shakur left his Oak Park apartment Thursday on a mission to demand better care at Hines.
"This is not a joke. This is serious business, these peoples' lives," he said.
Shakur spent two years in the Army as a military police officer. He said he was diagnosed with water on the brain, which caused his teeth to come out. The dental care he received at Hines was substandard, Shakur said.
"They don't let you come back for a second visit," he said.
Shakur was one of dozens of veterans packing the auditorium at the Hines auditorium. Many were clearly upset.
Complaints have led to several VA hospitals, including Hines, being accused of showing patients getting care sooner than they actually had. That allegedly allowed hospital executives to get bonuses.
Dan Sauer told the executives he was a victim, receiving letters without notice saying he was a no-show for a medical appointment.
We're listening, is the response from VA officials.
Hines employees were sitting in the audience taking names and notes. Officials promised to investigate and address all the complaints.