January 17, 2018

ICYMI: Manchin Questions VA Secretary About Clarksburg VA, Opioids and Homelessness

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin when he testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. Senator Manchin asked Secretary Shulkin about the timeline for the Clarksburg VA hospital becoming fully operational again after the hospital’s autoclave was deemed inadequate.

“On December 20th, a high-risk Veteran contacted my office after his bypass surgery was cancelled while he was laying on the operating table at our Clarksburg VA. The reason being that spots were found on tools processed by the hospital’s autoclave. We’ve been told that they’ve estimated that it will be at least 10 weeks before a Temporary Sterilization Unit will be operational and it will also take a whopping 16 to 18 months to replace the one that is deficient. This is egregious and we need your help,” Senator Manchin said.

Senator Manchin also questioned Secretary Shulkin about VA opioid prescribing practices and the increase in homelessness among Veterans.

To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s questioning, please click here.

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