Rep. Bonamici Visits Portland VA Medical Center; Discusses Regional Services and National Wait Time Allegations

Portland, OR – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici visited Portland’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center today to learn about the work it is doing and to discuss allegations that some VA facilities across the country have concealed wait times for patients to receive care.

The Center’s new Director, Joanne Krumberger, led Congresswoman Bonamici on a tour of the facility and discussed the medical center’s work. The Congresswoman also met with administrative staff, doctors and nurses, representatives of the American Federation of Government Employees, and veterans receiving care at the Center.

“It was a very informative visit; I appreciate the opportunity to speak with Director Krumberger and the Center’s medical staff to learn more about the care provided at the facility, the resources available to the Center, and their plans for improving services,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “It is abundantly clear that the staff at the Portland VA Medical Center is dedicated to providing our veterans with the best available care.”

“The recent allegations are deeply troubling,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “We must recommit to making sure that our veterans receive health care when it’s needed. This is not the first time VA facilities have been criticized for long wait times; the problem has plagued the department for some time. Today I discussed some actions that can be taken to address the issue so that the VA can continue to serve our American heroes.”

Last week the House passed a bill to give the VA Secretary greater power to fire senior VA executives for bad performance. Meanwhile, President Obama has called for an investigation into the allegations.

“As the investigation into these allegations is underway, we must remain focused on ensuring that every veteran can get the care he or she needs and deserves,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Veterans put their lives on the line for their country; we cannot abandon them when they need care. We must get to the bottom of what’s causing delays in service and work to ensure that wait times are not unreasonable or unsafe.”