Review of Allegations of Mismanagement at the North Chicago VA Hospital

An investigation by the Veterans Administration (VA) of allegations against the North Chicago VA Hospital was monitored. The employees' union of the hospital made the allegations which included charges of: mismanagement by hospital officials, reprisals and threats against high-level hospital officials and rank and file employees who question hospital policies and recommend changes, and related internal problems that have apparently led to a decline in the quality of medical care for North Chicago veterans. Additional allegations concerning certain questionable hospital activities were also made during VA's onsite investigation. The VA appeared to investigate adequately the allegations of irregularities at the hospital and has taken steps to correct the hospital's internal problems. The majority of the allegations against North Chicago VA hospital and the University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School were not substantiated during the investigation. VA investigators documented the problems and made recommendations for corrective actions by the VA's central office. Actions have been taken under the direction of the Chief Medical Director. The investigation addressed all but three of the allegations contained in a statement prepared by VA hospital employees. (SW)