Does VA realignment plan demonstrate improvement?

2015-09-28T17:35:32-04:00

VA is reducing 3 VISN's but adding two new "district" oversight administrations. There were 3 in VACO under the mail code 10N, an East, Central and West administration. These three oversaw (overhead) the VISNs. Now they want to add 2 more. What good is their reorganization plan when they are keeping the majority of VISN offices, an overhead expense at the peril of veterans healthcare.

MESSAGE FROM THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR HEALTH

September 28, 2015

Through the MyVA initiative, the Department is undergoing a significant transformation to become an organization that puts Veterans in control of how, when, and where they want to be served. As part of the initiative, Secretary McDonald unveiled a plan earlier this year to realign VA’s many organizational maps into one map with five districts. In support of this plan, the Veterans Health Administration will realign our Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) to fit within the state boundaries of these districts.

Implementation of the VISN realignment plan will begin in fiscal year 2016 with the goal of being completed no later than the end of fiscal year 2018. Once completed, there will be 18 VISNs instead of the 21 that currently exist.

The vast majority of our staff members will not be affected by these changes. We will communicate directly with employees in VISN offices that are being consolidated or eliminated to ensure they are aware of the change and how it will impact them. We will also work closely with our labor partners throughout this process, and adhere to applicable federal statutes to ensure the affected staff members are fully supported during the transition period.

This realignment will enhance efficiencies and the Veterans’ experiences as they receive services within VA, and will have no impact on their ability to access health care services through VA facilities.

Thank you for all you do every day to honor and care for Veterans.

DAVID J. SHULKIN, M.D.

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Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 28 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-09-28T17:37:07-04:00

I hope so but I will believe it when I see it

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 28 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-09-28T17:38:18-04:00

Sgt Spencer Sikder Its a step in the right direction. I quote the following article:
"This realignment will enhance efficiencies and the Veterans’ experiences as they receive services within VA, and will have no impact on their ability to access health care services through VA facilities."

Response by TSgt David L. made Sep 28 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-09-28T17:38:33-04:00

Short answer, No...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 28 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-09-28T18:05:56-04:00

I believe that the DeptVA & SecVA are trying to apply as many quick and easily applied initiatives as they can, hoping something will work. SecVA walked into the proverbial "Field day inspection from hell" and is giving a quick succession of orders that should yield immediate results. Some will have good (qualitative) results. Some will be cosmetic. We're not going to know which is which for a while.