Collins: More needs to be done to get the VA back on track

Statement

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement reacting to news that the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center has notified 526 patients they may be at risk for infection due to an improperly cleaned medical scope:

"Today's news out of the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center is very troubling. I encourage any veteran in my district who may be concerned to contact my district office at 716-634-2324 for assistance. It is completely unacceptable that proper protocols were not being followed, but I applaud the actions taken to relieve the employee at fault from their duties.

"Unfortunately, this is not the first time this type of negligence has occurred, yet is an example of how important our reforms have been, especially when it comes to holding VA employees accountable. This is why I fought for legislation, which President Trump signed in to law this June to protect whistleblowers, and give the Secretary of the VA the authority to fire, demote or suspend VA employees who don't do their jobs. This is significant progress, but clearly more needs to be done in order to get the VA back on track and I am committed to working with my colleagues to make sure our veterans get the care they deserve."

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