No end in sight? 'It’s worse than ever': Employees of beleaguered Philadelphia VA office vent to visiting lawmakers

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:44:05 -0400

Nine congressman and one senator inspecting the office Monday said they heard a similar message during a closed-door meeting with Ruell and other employees — very different than the upbeat assessment from managers in a separate meeting.

“It seems to me there’s a bit of a disconnect between what management is saying and what many people who are working here are saying,” Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., said at a press conference outside the office. During the press conference, several lawmakers pointed to an administrative investigation board report expected June 30 that will “name names” of those responsible for the scandal.

“We’re going to make some major changes — maybe fire people,” Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-La., said in an interview with Stars and Stripes.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/it-s-worse-than-ever-employees-of-beleaguered-philadelphia-va-office-vent-to-visiting-lawmakers-1.352536

'It’s worse than ever': Employees of beleaguered Philadelphia VA office vent to visiting...

Two months after testifying to Congress for a third time about the VA's Philadelphia regional office — this time about a “revolving door of taxpayer waste,” culture of retaliation and improper behavior — Kristen Ruell says little has changed.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 16 at 2015 8:46 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 08:46:40 -0400

It is not actually worse than ever...at least now people are looking into it. It is worse than anyone knew, but at least the light of day is beginning to be break in.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 16 at 2015 10:51 AM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 10:51:25 -0400

So the office management lied, are we really surprised?

On that note, you would think that the management would actually be working to fix their problems before the politicians got involved. Given all the negative publicity the VA has received you'd think that they would actually do something about it and not just say that they are.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 12:12 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 12:12:15 -0400

Lack of accountability is the main issue. While it is laudable that the investigation is finally taking place, "maybe fire people" is an incredibly soft stance given the cost in lives and quality of care for our veterans.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 3:45 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 15:45:13 -0400

Wondering what the percentage is when it comes to Vets vs. Non-Vet that hold positions at the VA.. especially in Management positions.