VA secretary steps in after Spokane VA’s new electronic health system causes problems

April 28, 2021, 9:52 p.m.

Kaitlin Knapp

Posted: Apr 28, 2021 at 9:52 pm

SPOKANE, Washington. – The new electronic health system at Spokane’s VA Medical Center is a matter of concern heard by the Secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday.

The new system is intended to facilitate the transition from military service to veteran status. However, there were several hiccups along the way.

Secretary Denis McDonough and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers sat down with staff and veterans at Mann-Grandstaff Medical Center to discuss some of the challenges they face.

The new health system, which was introduced in October, gathers all of a veteran’s medical information – from his military service to the present day. While it seems like an easy transition, the system was far from an occasion for the secretary to conduct a strategic review and look for other cracks in the system.

“One thing that I worry about is training. Are we giving our teammates here access to everything they need to get maximum results for our vets? “Said McDonough.

He was also concerned about morale, staff and access to health care for veterinarians.

A new health system, first introduced in the Northwest, should make things a little smoother. However, Rep. McMorris Rodgers said she received several complaints about it: Veterans weren’t getting their medications and doctors and veterans were getting the wrong ones.

“There’s certainly a lot to be done to get the health record where we want it,” said McMorris Rodgers.

While it was about listening to those affected, it was also about figuring out what the next step is to fix these issues.

“We believe these are some things we can and have done to ensure connectivity between our practitioners and contractors and to ensure that questions are answered quickly,” said McDonough.

The secretary’s review will take another month and a half in hopes of addressing the concerns of those who have served our country.

A decision that has already been made is access to care. The VA Medical Center announced that it is expected to open 24-hour emergency veterinary care by the end of the year.