Phoenix VA Health Care System Director Sharon Helman, Associate Director Lance Robinson and a third employee, whose name was not immediately released, were placed on leave as a result of allegations that key data was concealed while dozens of veterans died waiting for care. Authorities will investigate allegations that officials kept a fake waiting list that made it appear sick veterans were being treated in a timely manner, while hiding the real list that showed up to 1,600 sick veterans were waiting months to see a physician, according to Fox News.
The Department of Veterans Affairs said Thursday in a statement, “We take these allegations very seriously,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said in a statement released late Thursday afternoon. “We believe it is important to allow an independent, objective review to proceed. These allegations, if true, are absolutely unacceptable and if the Inspector General’s investigation substantiates these claims, swift and appropriate action will be taken.”
“For the system to operate well, there needs to be faith and trust in the leadership and staff,” said Schweikert. “This announcement is a step in the right direction toward restoring that relationship between the PVAHCS and our veterans.”
Earlier this week, Congressman David Schweikert wrote a letter to Secretary Shinseki and PVAHC Director Helman in response to recent reports and allegations detailing medical failures and administrative misconduct at the Phoenix VA Medical Health Care Center.
In the letter, Congressman Schweikert asked for the resignation of Director Helman and top leadership at the Phoenix VA Facility. Arizona Congressmen Trent Franks and Matt Salmon also signed both letters.
Upon learning of Shinseki’s decision Salmon said, “Secretary Shinseki made the right decision to place senior leadership of the Phoenix VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) on administrative leave. I look forward to a swift and complete investigation into these allegations. Hopefully, this is the first step in rebuilding the trust and restoring the confidence that our Arizona veterans have lost in our VA system. I will continue to closely monitor any and all developments until we have the answers our veterans deserve.”