Published: November 02, 2009 06:56 pm      

Our View: VA hospital issues need cure

Problems continue to plague the Marion VA Hospital. According to a federal report filed by the Inspector General of the Veterans Affairs Department, in 2009, there were continued problems with mortality assessment, a patient safety program and peer review. The report also includes a memo from the director of the facility stating the hospital has corrected or is in the process of correcting issues.

In-patient surgeries at the Marion VA Medical Center were suspended after investigations into 29 deaths during fiscal year 2007 revealed that three of the deaths were the result of the facility not meetings standards of care. Low-risk outpatient surgical procedures were reinstated at the facility.

But those who need surgery still have to go elsewhere. The report findings are that problems — while slowly getting better — remain.

The facility is for those who this country owe the most — our veterans. It is important that the medical center get the problems resolved for their safety and health.