Fixing the Broken Electronic Health Record System

There’s been a terrible sense in Spokane and across Eastern Washington that the Department of Veterans Affairs is moving on from Mann-Grandstaff without addressing the serious issues with the new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. I continue to hear troubling stories related to patient safety, staff morale, efficiency, and overall care from patients and providers alike.

This is unacceptable, which is exactly what I told Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Donald Remy this week. During a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, I shared these stories of despair with the deputy secretary and told him that we need answers and results before the VA deploys the EHR at other VA facilities.

The good news is that Deputy Secretary Remy committed to visit Mann-Grandstaff in the coming weeks to see these problems firsthand. Today, I formally requested to be a part of that visit, because I believe it will be critical for gaining a clear picture of the problems veterans, staff, and health care providers are facing at Mann-Grandstaff. 

I am committed to working with everyone at the VA – both in Washington, D.C. and Spokane – to see the EHR project through to success, and I will keep you updated on the progress we make.

Click here to learn more about my efforts to improve the EHR system, restore 24-hour urgent care, and hold the VA accountable.