What are your thoughts on the scandle concerning VA hospitals,i.e. Walter Reed?

Question

That this has been going on for some time in our nation is a disgrace and should not be allowed to happen-now other VA hospitals with shockiing conditions is coming to light.

What do you think should be done as concerns this sad situation and the negligence of proper care of our veterans?

Answer 1

It's good that there's an investigation into complaints of cases involving neglect reported by wounded soldiers and their family members. Some of the conditions described are unacceptable for the gallant men and women who have bravely served our country and are having problems receiving decent heathcare in a good environment. Heads at the very top had to roll in order to try to get things in right order and the system needs to be properly funded.

Answer 2

The situation is deplorable. Men and women in the armed forces have given much of themselves to the country. The least we can do is give them proper medical care when they are injured.
I think the problem dates back to the Vietnam era vets. The war was politically unpopular, and nobody likes a "loser." Governmental funding couldn't be cut off, but the whole system was given bastard-child status- keep it around and hope the problem goes away. Today, we've proven that the government doesn't want to deal with it, and the private contractor they farmed it out to fell down on the job.
To fix the problem, since the government is paying for those facilities to be there, I think ALL federal employees should have to use the VA hospital system. In about two weeks, we would see massive spending bills to get the system up to date and properly staffed.

Answer 3

I'm a veteran but I've never been hospitalized in a VA hospital. I have been hospitalized in a civilian hospital.

A couple of them, in fact. An observation: most hospitals are overworked and housekeeping and maintenance often suffer. Throw in the fact that VA hospitals are what amounts to a welfare service and you compound the problem.

We have two exceptional military hospitals and an exceptional VA hospital in San Antonio, but both are overloaded. I don't think veterans are being neglected--I'm not. I would suggest making some form of health insurance available to veterans, preferably at very low cost or free, so they could use any medical facility.

Answer 4

During Clinton's sex raged administration he gutted the military to almost nothing. Walter Reed hospital was set to close by the end of 2010. The monies set up for that were just to keep it running without any improvements. Bethesda Naval hospital received the funding to get all the modern equipment and improvements. Once Walter Reed was closed, Bethesda was to be renamed as Walter Reed. This was voted on and signed by Clinton. If you remember, he set out to close as many bases as he could during his terms until the republicans stopped him when they took over both houses.

Answer 5

And people still want our government to provide "free" healthcare! The VA hospitals are an example of what happens when politicians get their grubby hands on services.

Answer 6

The VA in West Ohio is pretty good. One in Western PA was closed for lots of problems.

Generally good people, understaffed, overworked.
Some problem doctors, but everyone generally means well.

Answer 7

My uncle went to the V.A. many times for Parkinson's and his care was terrible. He never saw the same Dr. twice and died because he collected a shoebox full of pills and had a fatal reaction. Our vets are treated like crap and it's a disgrace.

Answer 8

I don't know of any NEW scandal . It's been standard procedure in this country for so many decades , to ignore our returning veterans - injured or not - thanks to the liberal agenda against our military , that I'm afraid nothing changed since WWII .

Answer 9

It's a sad day when we can't honor or vets with proper medical care.