Tierney Challenges Recommendations for Boston-area VA Medical Center

Tierney Challenges Recommendations for
Boston-area VA Medical Centers

Boston, MA - U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney (D-Salem) today released the following statement at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' presentation of its recommendations to consolidate or close VA Medical Centers in the Boston-area:

"The Bedford VA is one of the nation's premier centers for veterans suffering from Alzheimer's. It provides unique, quality care that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. It also has nationally renowned rehabilitation programs unmatched in any other facility. While the list of recommendations does include the option to retain existing services at existing facilities, too many of the options presented today would move all services from Bedford to another existing facility or a new urban campus. Such recommendations are unsubstantiated by solid evidence and analysis, do not make sense, and are completely unfair to the veterans and families who depend on that facility.

Our nation has an obligation to do all it can to provide the highest quality health care services for our veterans. We must live up to that commitment.

The only viable option presented today is that which would keep existing services at current facilities. Because failing to keep Bedford VA open would have a devastating impact on veterans who benefit from care by the team of caregivers they have come to know and trust, no other action should be taken without compelling evidence that it would be in their interest. No such substantiation has been provided at this hearing to support any change that would adversely affect patients and cause veterans and family members to travel great distances to access the care they need.

As this process continues, I will continue with my colleagues to fight to ensure quality, affordable and accessible care is available to our veterans."

http://www.house.gov/tierney/press/VAmedical09272005.shtml