Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell released the following statement in response to a recent audit that was conducted at Veterans healthcare facilities in Alabama.  The Alabama audit stems from a nationwide probe into 731 facilities due to reports of excessive wait times and lack of quality care. As a result of the audit, certain locations were flagged for further review and investigation. The VA facilities in Tuskegee and Montgomery were among those flagged for further review. According to the audit, employees within the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) fabricated records to hide long wait times endured by Veterans from Alabama, including many in the 7^th Congressional District of Alabama.

“I am outraged with the recent findings of improper scheduling practices at Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS). Providing high quality health care and benefits to our nations Veterans is one of our most fundamental obligations,” explained Rep. Sewell. “The backlog and long wait times for medical services at VA facilities are unacceptable and must stop. Our Veterans deserve better and CAVHS must be held accountable for fixing its scheduling practices.”

“My office will continue to closely monitor the ongoing investigation into CAVHCS. I will also work aggressively with my colleagues in the House and members on the Committee of Veterans Affairs to ensure rigorous oversight and accountability over the reform efforts at the Veterans Administration. This week, I co-sponsored H.R. 4810, the Veterans Access to Care Act. This bill will permit Veterans with extended wait times to receive hospital care and medical service at private hospitals. I look forward to working with my House colleagues and the Senate to reconcile the legislation passed by each chamber and immediately address the barriers to care our Veterans have been experiencing. No veteran who has put his or her life at risk for the safety and security of our nation should come home and have to fight long wait times when trying to get medical care.”

The complete VA audit can be viewed here.

The report for Region 7, which includes Tuskegee and Montgomery, can be viewed here. 

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