Last week, I was made aware of the possibility that staffing at Mann-Grandstaff could be cut by more than 15% due to a $35 million budget deficit caused by the failed Oracle Center Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. 

This is beyond unacceptable. Under no circumstances should the Spokane or Walla Walla VA Medical Centers have to cut staff or services because of a budget shortfall caused by the failed EHR. These facilities need more personnel and resources, not less. 

Instead of cutting staff to make up for their mistakes, the VA should look at every other available option, including using the funding already available for the EHR – which is going unused while the program is halted – to support services and ensure veterans in Eastern Washington have access to the care they need. 

In the meantime, I took action yesterday by demanding VA Secretary Denis McDonough commit to preventing these cuts that would devastate veterans in Eastern Washington. In unfortunate but typical fashion, he refused to make that commitment during a press conference yesterday. 

I’m not done fighting.

This should be an easy commitment to make. Mann-Grandstaff staff and patients have gone through enough. I am eagerly awaiting the secretary’s response to my letter and will keep you updated. 

CLICK HERE to read the letter.