For Release: Monday, January 28, 2008
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO AND SHIMKUS: MARION VA MEDICAL CENTER INVESTIGATION RESULTS "SHOCKING"

Washington - U.S. Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) reacted to the release of reports today by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the VA’s Medical Inspector into a higher than normal death rate at the Marion VA Medical Center between October 2006 and March 2007. The Congressmen both spoke with VA Secretary Dr. James Peake about the investigations earlier today, and were briefed on the OIG’s report by Dr. John D. Daigh, Jr., the Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections.

The OIG’s report reviewed 29 deaths that occurred during Fiscal Year 2007. Of those, three cases did not meet the standard of care. The Medical Inspector’s report examined cases over a two-year period and determined that nine deaths resulted from sub-standard care, and that 10 additional cases were still under review. The reports pointed to serious problems in the credentialing and privileging of doctors.

“The results of these investigations are shocking and point to gross mismanagement at Marion and the need for much better standardized procedures in the VA system to make sure that such a situation cannot occur again,” said Costello. “Our veterans deserve to know that the medical professionals that are taking care of them have been thoroughly vetted and are highly qualified. Oversight of each VA facility is critical, and we will be working to fully inform the public about the findings of these investigations and implement much needed changes.”
"This report is very critical of the way healthcare was delivered at the Marion VA Medical Center,” stated Shimkus. “While many patients received quality care, others did not. There were many people - doctors and staff - who failed in their duties, who failed the veterans in their care.  The former administrative staff at Marion also withheld information from the public and from us legislators.  Something like this must not be allowed to ever happen again. Those responsible will now face administrative action.
"This investigation has also brought to light many problems with standards and licensing throughout the entire VA system. I hope that every recommendation is taken seriously and implemented as quickly as possible. Only then will the public and local veterans be satisfied that the best care possible is being delivered at Marion."
When asked, Secretary Peake could not say when the surgical unit at Marion would be operational again. Congressman Costello will participate in a House Veterans’ Affairs Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing regarding the investigations tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. eastern time.
The VA has set up a toll-free phone number for patients and their families who are concerned about the care they received at the Marion VA Medical Center to call to receive additional information.  The number is 1-800-983-0932.

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