Department of Veterans Affairs Searching for New VISN 4 Director which oversees VA Pittsburgh Health System / In Letter, Casey Says New Director Must Break with Past Failures
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to Robert A. Petzel, M.D. Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs, calling for a fresh vision as the VA seeks a new director of the VA Health Care VISN4, which includes the VA Pittsburgh Health System. The new director will be the first following the retirement of Michael Moreland who served as Director during the Legionnaires’ outbreak of 2012. The new director will be charged with implementing reforms that were identified in an Inspector General’s report that Senator Casey called for.
“The Legionnaires’ outbreak that took place in 2012 showed the need for top to bottom change,” Senator Casey said. “With a new director, the VA has a chance to turn the page and implement a fresh vision for veterans’ care in Western Pennsylvania.”
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter can be seen below:
Robert A. Petzel, M.D.
Under Secretary for Health
Department of Veterans Affairs
Dear Under Secretary Petzel,
It is my understanding that with the recent retirement of Michael Moreland from the VISN4 Director’s position the VA is in the process of selecting a new VISN4 Director. The purpose of this letter is to address my concerns and recommendations regarding the future leadership of VISN4.
As you are aware, the recent Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak took place within the VA Pittsburgh Health System (VAPHS) which is under the jurisdiction of VISN4. I, along with many of my constituents, am concerned with the significant breakdown of communication, reporting and leadership that resulted in the death of six of our veterans. As you continue through the process of determining the most qualified candidate, it is my hope that you will take this opportunity to reflect upon the necessary leadership skills that were not present during this incident, and select a candidate that is capable, knowledgeable and closely engaged with staff, experts and other agencies to prevent future failures of this magnitude.
In addition, I would recommend that the candidate bring a fresh vision to VISN4, a region that is fortunate to have a large and diverse veterans’ population. We are in a critical period. A large number of veterans are returning home and it is the responsibility of the VA to ensure that all veterans receive the highest quality of care and services as they transition from their military service. As you are aware, there are numerous medical issues that impact returning veterans, most notably in the area of behavior health. I would strongly encourage you to keep these veterans needs a priority as you continue looking for a new VISN4 Director.
I hope you will take up these suggestions as you move forward and please let me know if my staff or I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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