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Kiggans Statement on Hampton VAMC Leadership Change

Jul 20, 2024
Healthcare
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Veterans

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released a statement following an announcement by Paul Crews, the Network Director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, VISN 6, to reassign the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Director Dr. Taquisa K. Simmons to the VHA Office of Social Work Services. 

“Today’s announcement regarding the change in leadership at the Hampton VAMC is a step in the right direction but long overdue, as many patients and providers have been raising concerns to me about this facility for quite some time,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “For months, I have pressed the VA on complaints of patient safety, staffing shortages, denial of care, unsanitary exam rooms, whistleblower retaliation, and more. While I am pleased to see the VA finally taking a closer look at those in charge in an effort to ensure that policies and procedures are being strictly adhered to at the hospital, there is still more work that needs to be done and changes that need to be made. 

“As the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, it is a priority of mine to ensure the VA is held accountable and keeps their promises to our veterans. My office will continue to investigate concerns brought to us about the Hampton VAMC and provide the necessary oversight to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the quality healthcare they deserve.”

As a result of the investigation initiated by Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairwoman Jen Kiggans, the Department of Veterans Affairs is making the following personnel and policy changes at the Hampton VAMC:

Replacement of the VAMC Director 

Replacement of the Chief of Staff 

Replacement of the Chief of Surgery

Addressing the anesthesiologist shortage 

Addressing staff moral and allegations of retaliation

Increasing accountability regarding substandard care

Ensuring medical facilities are properly cleaned and maintained

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