Feds Looking Into Allegations Of Misconduct At Mpls. VA
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Top VA leaders say there is a federal investigation looking into allegations of misconduct within the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
The director of the Minneapolis VA health care system said the Office of Inspector General is interviewing whistleblowers who say they were pressured into falsifying patient records at the hospital.
Dozens of veterans showed up at a town hall meeting Friday morning to voice their concerns. They arrived with a variety of personal questions and health care questions.
The VA leaders say they want to hold more town halls like this to regain some trust after recent troubles.
The medical center has been under scrutiny nationally and in parts of Minnesota for months after the inspector general issued a report detailing systemic issues with health care for veterans.
The Veterans Affairs secretary Eric Shinseki resigned over the matter in May.
In Minnesota, federal audit numbers showed veterans seeking first appointments were waiting up to 90 days in some cases to see a doctor.
Audit data shows the waiting times in Minnesota are considerably lower than the worst trouble spots in the VA system, but the leaders say there's will a lot of work to do.
VA officials addressed the scheduling troubles and the newest allegations of misconduct by those whistleblowers today, saying they welcome the investigation and know there is work to be done.