VA health system: a case
of ineptitude or criminal negligence
Complexity defines the
system that delivers health care to nearly nine million veterans a year in 1700
facilities (hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and consulting
centers). Reportedly most veterans are satisfied with the access to care they
receive, yet a sub-segment are not. Recent news from the Phoenix Arizona VA hospital
is especially alarming. Dozens of deaths
have been attributed to incompetent management at this site. Specifically,
claims have surfaced in which patients had to wait months to years to obtain
appointments. News sources further represent the existence of a secret waiting
list which tried to hide these prolonged waiting times. Adding to the
complications two suicides in the last six months may be attributed to the negligent
and or delayed care at this facility. As the news spread of these disastrous
outcomes from this locale the Obama Administration began its usual cycle of
spin and denial. Four Star general Eric
Shinseki has led the VA system since 2009. He noted before a Congressional
committee his own disgust with the problems unraveling in Phoenix. New
allegations of similar concerns have come to light in other jurisdictions to
add to his problems. Instead of firing Shinseki for his inept mismanagement
underlings’ heads are now rolling. Veteran Affairs Undersecretary Robert Petzel’s
“resignation” has been accepted by Shinseki. He is the figurehead the Obama
Administration has thrown under the proverbial bus as this scandal proceeds. (http://www.theledger.com/article/20140517/news/140519356?tc=ar)
Will this maneuver satisfy those calling for the head of Shinseki, not likely. During
the reign of Secretary Shinseki waiting times have been a signature representation
of the problems he has had to confront. From the vantage point of many they have
not been addressed. Yet General Shinseki holds on to a position that should be
given to someone with extensive training in medicine and health facility
management, not an inexperienced military icon. President Obama did not express
an urgency in correcting the problems when he discussed this issue in today’s
press conference. As usual he appeared detached when he cited his intentions of
moving quickly to root out the causes of the mismanagement brought to his desk.
http://www.humanevents.com/2014/05/21/obama-delivers-his-standard-damage-control-statement-on-the-va-scandal/
Management of VA health facilities
provides a glimpse how government’s ineptitude brings about horrific outcomes.
Shinseki’s management style, through edicts from Washington, has failed
miserably. Patchwork changes will not
correct the Obamacare nightmare neither will it effectuate change at the VA. Deep
consideration should be given to an overhaul of this system, a minor tune up
will not provide the corrections needed. Reports from other Veteran’s facilities
are trickling in noting incompetent scheduling of appointments to the quality
of physician care. Obviously more stories of disasters are on the horizon. Obama’s
reluctance to ask for General Shinseki’s resignation is a sign the status quo
will be maintained. Perhaps the Congress, initiating its work in 2015, will
effectuate changes that an ineffective Executive Branch is unwilling and or
unable to do. The scent of criminal negligence becomes more intense with each
new batch of allegations reported.
Change in leadership is a high priority. General Shinseki needs to
reconsider and tender his resignation. It would be the honorable thing for him to
do. http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2014/04/veteran_suicide_phoenix_va_health_care_deaths.php
Mark Davis, MD President
of Healthnets Review Services and Davis Book Reviews, Dr. Davis’ latest book is
Obamacare: Dead on Arrival, A Prescription for Disaster. platomd@gmail.com
www.healthnetsreviewservices.com
No comments:
Post a Comment