Kiggans Questions Secretary Doug Collins Regarding Staffing Deficiencies at Hampton VA Medical Center, VA North Battlefield Outpatient Clinic

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Jen Kiggans questioned Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins during a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing. She raised concerns regarding the lack of accountability for staffing deficiencies and an inadequate response to years of serious concerns raised by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Hampton VA Medical Center (VAMC). She also voiced concerns over staffing issues at the North Battlefield VA Outpatient Clinic in Chesapeake.

Watch Rep. Kiggans’ questioning here.

Background:

Prior to entering Congress in 2023, Rep. Kiggans spent three months working at the Hampton VA as a nurse practitioner. The Congresswoman has been a leading voice for reform that would strengthen personnel and ensure our nation’s veterans receive the quality care that they deserve.

Since 2024, the Hampton VAMC has operated with frequent turnover of leadership personnel, undermining the efficiency and quality of care patients receive.

The Hampton VAMC serves and provides care to approximately 69,000 veterans in the heavily military populated area of Hampton Roads.

Rep. Kiggans has called for the VA to implement permanent leadership at the Hampton VAMC that would address the concerns outlined by several OIG reports over the last few years. Kiggans recently sent a letter to Secretary Collins seeking accountability and answers to the Hampton VAMC’s improper response to these OIG reports and the failure to staff the facility with effective management.    

Read Rep. Kiggans’ press release on her letter to Secretary Collins here.

Rep. Kiggans also inquired on the timeline for full and effective staffing at the new VA Outpatient Clinic in Chesapeake.

The North Battlefield VA Outpatient Clinic in Chesapeake opened its doors in April 2025 with the potential to serve more than the 28,000 veterans living in South Hampton Roads.

The VA originally stated that this facility would reach full staffing levels in January 2026. The VA has failed to meet this deadline with the facility currently operating at just over 60% of the necessary personnel.   

Read Rep. Kiggans’ press release on VA accountability at the start of the 119th Congress here.