Hampton VA Medical Center director reassigned amid House Committee probe

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Dr. Taquisa K. Simmons is no longer the executive director of the Hampton VA Medical Center.

Paul Crews, the Network Director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that Simmons was reassigned to the VHA Office of Social Work Services.

Simmons’ reassignment stems from an investigation by the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Rep. Jen Kiggans, who serves as chairwoman of the subcommittee, released the following statement regarding Simmons’ reassignment:

“Today’s announcement regarding the change in leadership at the Hampton VAMC is a step in the right direction but long overdue, as many patients and providers have been raising concerns to me about this facility for quite some time,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “For months, I have pressed the VA on complaints of patient safety, staffing shortages, denial of care, unsanitary exam rooms, whistleblower retaliation, and more.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs will be implementing the following personnel and policy changes at the Hampton VAMC:

• Replacement of the VAMC Director
• Replacement of the Chief of Staff
• Replacement of the Chief of Surgery
• Addressing the anesthesiologist shortage
• Addressing staff moral and allegations of retaliation
• Increasing accountability regarding substandard care
• Ensuring medical facilities are properly cleaned and maintained

“It is a priority of mine to ensure the VA is held accountable and keeps their promises to our veterans,” said Kiggans. “My office will continue to investigate concerns brought to us about the Hampton VAMC and provide the necessary oversight to ensure our nation’s veterans receive the quality healthcare they deserve.”

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