Star-Bulletin staff

WAILUKU » A physician and physician's assistant have been hired at the veterans' clinic on Maui following protests about the lack of adequate medical care.

Veterans protested in May when the Department of Veterans Affairs released a physician after her work probation period ended.

They complained that the quality of medical care was affected.

Roger Evangelista, president of the Maui County Veterans Council representing more than 20 veterans groups, said he was glad to see the hiring of a new physician as well as a physician's assistant.

Evangelista said he was also happy that Veterans Affairs did the hiring within two months, compared with the eight-month lull before a new physician was hired to fill a vacancy previously.

The new physician is Dr. James Lockyer, who started work July 14 on Maui. He has practiced on Kauai and has more than 20 years of experience, including work as a VA contract provider and as medical care provider to the homeless and rural populations, the VA said.

Norman Mallory, who began work this month on the Valley Isle, has more than nine years of experience as a physician's assistant and has worked at the VA Medical Center in Togus, Maine, the VA said.

Evangelista said the group was grateful for support from elected officials, including U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono.

About 3,000 veterans receive medical services on the Valley Isle, according to the Maui County Veterans Council.

http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/25/news/story08.html