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Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough urging the Department to address reports of alleged misconduct at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) also joined Dingell in sending a letter to VA Inspector General Michael Missal to show bicameral concern for the John D. Dingell VA. Both Dingell and Tlaib regularly visit the hospital to meet with veterans.

Rep. Dingell has been in close touch with Secretary McDonough for the last year regarding concerns that have been expressed by both veterans and employees. In the letter, she thanks him for his actions and for taking the experiences of patients seriously, and urges Secretary McDonough to assure veterans they will receive the quality care they deserve under the new leadership.

“You and I share the goal of ensuring veterans receive high-quality, timely care each time they walk into a VA facility,” Dingell writes. “As we have discussed, a number of issues have been raised with me directly by both patients and employees at the Detroit VA. I appreciate the attention you have already given to these reports in recent months and urge you to continue working to address these challenges.”

“I urge you and your team to publicly address these issues. With the recent removal of the top three administrative officials at the Detroit VA, it is extremely important patients and employees understand you are aware of these problems, these issues are being addressed, and a full investigation is underway. It is critical they are reassured that with a new team in place – alongside your attention at the highest level – work is being done to ensure veterans are receiving the highest quality of care possible at the Detroit VA,” Dingell continues. “It is my understanding that with a new administration in place, issues like long wait times, poor patient experience, difficulty accessing prescriptions, and challenges with the community care referral process are being addressed and improved. Challenges with staff shortages are also being addressed to reduce the burden on employees who care deeply about the veterans they serve. These changes have already begun to make a difference.”

“The VA health system is an institution that was created to honor, serve, and respect the men and women who have served this nation,” Dingell concludes. “I remain committed to working to ensure each and every patient who walks through the Detroit VA’s doors receives quality, comprehensive, and timely care, and your work to uphold this promise is appreciated.”

View the full text of the letter here.

Rep. Dingell has worked closely with Secretary McDonough and had a number of discussions on issues related to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. Earlier this year, McDonough joined Dingell at the Dearborn Vet Center to hear firsthand the needs and concerns of Southeastern Michigan veterans.