RANKING MEMBER TAKANO AND VA UNDER SECRETARY FOR HEALTH ELNAHAL VISIT VA LOMA LINDA

Press Release

"During yesterday's visit to VA Loma Linda, I had an opportunity to see for myself countless examples of VA Loma Linda employees--at every level of the organization-- working tirelessly every day to deliver on the mission of providing world-class healthcare to the brave men and women who have served our country. The quality of care at VA Loma Linda was recently affirmed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' annual hospital quality "star ratings," which for the first time this year rated VA hospitals along with non-VA hospitals. VA Loma Linda was rated 4 out of 5 stars, making its overall quality rating equal to or better than every other non-VA hospital in the area. The VA Loma Linda Health Care System is also playing a crucial role in delivering benefits and care to veterans under the PACT Act. Today is the last day to receive backdated benefits under the PACT Act. Veterans should fill out an intent to file no later than today, August 9, 2023, to ensure they receive all possible benefits from the PACT Act. Go to www.VA.gov/PACT to find out more.

Yesterday's visit also provided a much fuller picture of certain personnel issues at VA Loma Linda that have received media attention after concerns were raised earlier this year by House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost and Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23). Dr. Elnahal and I spent a great deal of time during our visit discussing how VA is addressing these issues, and we share local VA leadership's commitment to ensuring that all employees and veterans are treated with dignity and respect. I am glad that Dr. Elnahal, the top leader of the Veterans Health Administration, could be there with me to hear first-hand the progress being made, and I will be sure to share with my colleagues, Chairman Bost and Rep. Obernolte, what we learned. Despite repeated negative portrayals of staffing issues at Loma Linda, I have confidence that leadership is moving forward in an appropriate way and I will continue to oversee their efforts."

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