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[STK]
[IN] HEA
[SU] AVO VET NPT DIS POL
TO HEALTH, AND NATIONAL EDITORS:
DAV Demands Accountability in Veterans' Deaths
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DAV (Disabled
American Veterans) is calling for a full investigation of allegations
that at least 40 patients have died awaiting treatment at the
Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Phoenix, and that
some of them were put on a secret list to hide the wait times from
officials in Washington.
According to news reports, leadership at the Phoenix facility was
aware of the practice, a charge that the medical center director has
denied.
Earlier today, VA officials briefed veterans service organizations,
including DAV, about the situation and outlined the department's plans
to move forward with an investigation. Meanwhile, the VA's Office of
the Inspector General is conducting its own investigation.
"The health and well-being of veteran patients is the VA's top
priority and anything that may put them in jeopardy must be fully
investigated," said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director
Garry Augustine. "We look forward to the results of these
investigations, and if there is any evidence of wrongdoing or
knowledgeable neglect, those responsible must be held to account."
It has been alleged that the leadership at the Phoenix VA kept two
sets of patient waiting lists; one used to report average appointment
waiting times to Washington and the other one to schedule appointments
as they became available. VA medical facilities are required to
provide care to patients typically within 14 to 30 days, depending on
the availability and specialty required. The so-called secret list
tracks real appointment waiting times, some of which were beyond the
VA required timeframe. News reports also claim hard copy evidence
documenting veterans' initial appointment requests were shredded in
order to hide the lengthy wait list.
About DAV DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with
respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling
our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by
ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of
benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America's
injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the
great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian
life. DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was
founded in 1920 and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. Learn
more at www.dav.org.
Contact: David Autry 202-324-5219
SOURCE DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
-0- 04/24/2014
/Web Site: http://www.dav.org
CO: DAV (Disabled American Veterans); Department of Veterans Affairs
ST: District of Columbia
IN: HEA
SU: AVO VET NPT DIS POL
PRN
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0000 04/24/2014 21:59:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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