Marion VA Medical Center

In August, 2007, the surgical unit at the Marion Veterans' Administration (VA) Medical Center was closed after statistics showed that the facility had a mortality rate four times the expected rate between October 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007. An initial quality review and subsequent investigations by the VA's Office of Inspector General and the VA's Medical Inspector showed that there was gross mismanagement at the facility, and that at least nine deaths were attributable to substandard care. The surgical unit was described as being in “disarray,” with problems ranging from poor diagnosis and provision of care, to inadequate management of the credentialing and privileging of doctors.

I have worked with other members of the Illinois Congressional delegation and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to ensure that this situation was thoroughly investigated and that changes are being made to restore confidence in this facility. I visited the Medical Center, participated in hearings and briefings and have introduced legislation to address the problems discovered. Perhaps most importantly, I have insisted that the VA release these findings publicly and contact the families of affected veterans. The VA has followed through on both of these points.

The investigations resulted in numerous recommendations by the VA and these are being implemented. While some outpatient surgeries have resumed, I remain concerned that the pace of corrective action at the facility remains too slow. Our veterans deserve nothing less than the highest quality medical care and I will continue to work towards this goal. It should be noted that overall, the facility is served by a dedicated, professional staff that has provided excellent care for many years to thousands of veterans. This situation has been hard on them and I appreciate their hard work in helping to correct these problems.

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