Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General to conduct an investigation into the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center following reports that 526 patients may be at risk for infection due to improperly cleaned medical scopes.
“This is not the first time that we have heard of grave health concerns resulting from practices at the Buffalo VAMC,” Senator Gillibrand wrote in her letter to the VA. “Our men and women in uniform—past, present, and future—deserve a Department of Veterans Affairs worthy of their sacrifices. The Department carries a sacred obligation to provide every Veteran it serves with exemplary healthcare regardless of his or her zip code. I trust that you will lead the Department to swiftly address the ongoing problems at the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center and ensure no other Veterans—in New York and across the country—face a similar risk of infection.”
In addition to calling for a VA Inspector General investigation, the Senator requested the Buffalo VA Medical Center outline specific steps on how it will provide immediate support to veterans at risk and ensure similar catastrophic errors aren’t repeated in the future. Senator Gillibrand has encouraged patients affected by this issue to reach out to her office if they need assistance.
Senator Gillibrand requested the VA respond to her request for a VA inspector general investigation by no later than Friday, August 25, 2017.
