VA Hospital Clarifies Relationship With Medical University
Congressman Brown Pleased With Efforts to Inform Veterans
Charleston, SC,
Oct 27 -
The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) today sent a letter to Veterans Service Organizations and Post Commanders to clarify the current relationship with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the potential for future collaboration between the entities. Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) welcomed this news and praised Dr. Florence N. Hutchison, Acting Director, for her efforts in informing area veterans and their dependents.
“Dr. Hutchison is to be applauded for informing the thousands of veterans served by the VAMC and its affiliated clinics of the nature of the relationship between these two outstanding medical centers,” Brown said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to dispel any misinformation concerning the future of veterans’ healthcare in this area.”
In a letter and attachment, Dr. Hutchison addressed questions about mergers, priority for care, and funding. In responding to a question on a ‘merger’ between the Charleston VA and MUSC, the information states, “No. The discussion has always focused on how the Charleston VA and MUSC can enhance their relationship by increasing collaboration and sharing to improve the delivery of healthcare for veterans and the citizens of South Carolina.”
Another concern to veterans is the VAMC’s pending purchase of $6.7 million Radiology and Radiation Therapy equipment to be located at MUSC. According to VA, “the lease agreement covering this equipment would provide a revenue stream to the VA . . . Veterans would have equal access to the equipment.” To reiterate, the purchase of this equipment has not been finalized.
Congressman Brown addressed the funding issue by saying, “The House included $70 million for VA to enter in to an agreement with the Medical University of South Carolina to design, construct and operate a co-located, joint-use medical facility in Charleston to replace the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. However, the Senate version did not include this funding. We are relying on our Senate delegation to fight for inclusion of this project in the Conference Report.”
Brown also noted the many improvements made to the local veterans’ healthcare system, including expansion of the Myrtle Beach clinic, construction of a new clinic on the Naval Weapons Station, and the long-term care facility soon to open in Walterboro.
