Montana’s VA sees shake up in leadership following investigation
Jenny Goldsberry
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The Department of Veterans Affairs announced new leadership Thursday in Montana‘s VA Health Care System amid a review.
Previously, the system was headed by Director Dr. Judy Hayman, but effective Monday will be Duane Gill. Hayman was in charge when the VA self-reported concerns about patient safety to the Inspector General in 2021, which, according to the OIG, were substantiated.
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One patient at the Miles City Center died as a result of being mistreated. All care at the center paused in April 2022 and resumed in September of that year, with all involved staff getting fired.
Allegations of abuse, waste, and mismanagement have also been launched against the Fort Harrison Center by the OIG. Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) claimed to have received complaints about the center that he took to the VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Secretary Denis R. McDonough, which last week issued a report that found “significant issues with the hiring practices and medical malpractice at Fort Harrison” per the congressman.
“I am pleased by the VA’s decision to require a comprehensive review of the Montana VA Health Care System and the change in leadership,” Rosendale wrote in a statement. “I am hopeful this will result in better practice which will allow our veterans to be properly served. The core function of the VA is to care for our nation’s heroes, and I appreciate Secretary McDonough and Under Secretary Elnahal for working with me to address this critical issue for our veterans.”
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There are two medical centers in Fort Harrison in Helena, with more in Billings, Browning, Cut Bank, Missoula, Miles City, Bozeman, Great Falls, Glasgow, Glendive, Havre, two in Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown, Plentywood, and Kalispell.
Montana ranks fourth nationwide for the highest veterans per capita population.