More than three dozen veterans died waiting for treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Phoenix facilities, CNN reported Wednesday evening.
Citing sources including a recently retired doctor from the Phoenix VA and internal emails, the network said many of the 40-plus vets had been placed on a “secret waiting list” for appointments. The list was an attempt by VA bosses to cover up the long wait times for treatment, CNN said.
The family of Thomas Breen told the network that the Navy vet died of bladder cancer last year while waiting for an appointment with the Phoenix VA.
From the CNN story by Scott Bronstein and Drew Griffin:
In one internal Phoenix VA e-mail dated July 3, 2013, one staffer raised concerns about the secret electronic list and raised alarms that Phoenix VA officials were praising its use.
“I have to say, I think it’s unfair to call any of this a success when Veterans are waiting 6 weeks on an electronic waiting list before they’re called to schedule their first PCP (primary care physician) appointment,” the e-mail states. “Sure, when their appointment is created, it can be 14 days out, but we’re making them wait 6-20 weeks to create that appointment.”
The Washington Examiner has also written extensively about the delays in veterans’ medical care. Some recent stories:
Veteran tells Congress he was handed a ‘death sentence’ by botched care at Veterans Affairs hospital
Delayed tests, inadequate care linked to 23 cancer patient deaths at Veterans Affairs hospitals
Veterans Affairs administrator who ‘resigned’ over patient deaths still on hospital payroll
And see our week-long series from last year, “Making America’s Heroes Wait,” at this link.
