February 05, 2018

Manchin Urges the VA to Reconsider Transferring Criticized Director to West Virginia

Washington, D.C. – In response to the New York Times article detailing the manipulation of critical data at the Roseburg, Oregon VA Medical Center, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to reconsider its decision to transfer former director Douglas Paxton to the Huntington VA Medical Center.  Senator Manchin’s concerns were raised following reports that Paxton was going to be reassigned to be assistant director at the Huntington VAMC.

“Our Veterans deserve the best healthcare available and I was deeply disappointed to hear of what happened under Douglas Paxton’s watch at the Roseburg VA facility in Oregon,” Senator Manchin said. “These types of reassignment policies are exactly the thing that prevents the VA from providing our Veterans with consistent high-quality healthcare and services of which they are so deserving. I’m hopeful that the Huntington VA can continue to work to provide the best care and services possible but I do not believe that Paxton’s record is consistent with that goal.”

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