ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona lawmakers demand answers after alarming patient death at VA facility

Jul 28, 2024, 6:30 AM

Arizona lawmakers signed a letter asking the federal government to step in after the death of a vet...

Arizona lawmakers signed a letter asking the federal government to step in after the death of a veteran patient at a Phoenix VA care facility in March 2023. (Hayden VA photo)

(Hayden VA photo)

PHOENIX — Several Arizona representatives signed a letter asking the Department of Veterans Affairs to step in after the death of a veteran patient at a Phoenix Veterans Administration care facility in March 2023.

“We request an immediate briefing from you on how the Phoenix VA will implement the OIG’s recommended policy changes and training standards immediately, as well as ensure lifesaving equipment is available,” said Rep. Greg Stanton, addressing Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough.

The bipartisan letter was also signed by Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, as well as Reps. Eli Crane, Debbie Lesko, Andy Biggs, Ruben Gallego, David Schweikert, Raul Grijalva and Juan Ciscomani.

The letter points to a report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) that alleged a delay in basic life support as the patient experienced a medical emergency while at the facility.

In the report, the OIG said its findings were inconclusive about whether a change in care would’ve provided a different result due to the state of the patient.

It claims the staff did not utilize CPR when the patient lost consciousness after a routine appointment, and the facility did not have an automated external defibrillator (AED) accessible. Local emergency services took 11 minutes to respond, all factors that the letter claims led to the patient losing their life two days later after not receiving timely care.

Among factors leading to the delay are an inefficient rapid response, conflicting emergency procedures, a lack of CPR training and a lack of an AED, the OIG’s report said.

“This incident is a part of a troubling pattern of inappropriate responses by the Phoenix VA, whose procedures have contradicted and failed to meet Veterans Health Administration standards,” the letter reads.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said....

David Veenstra

Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits her on West Valley street

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said.

1 hour ago

Reusable serveware now in use at Phoenix Convention Center...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Convention Center to introduce reusable food and drink packaging

Head to the Phoenix Convention Center and you'll notice you can now eat and drink from reusable serveware when attending events.

3 hours ago

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

14 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

15 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

16 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizona lawmakers demand answers after alarming patient death at VA facility