MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Emotions boiled over Monday as area veterans spoke out about problems at the Memphis VA Medical Center.
Veterans packed into the Benjamin Hooks library for a town hall meeting, where they shared their stories of battling with the VA.
“All I ever get is, ‘You have to wait,'” one man said.
The Memphis VA has a history of veterans waiting months for appointments, and even some dying due to insufficient care.
While a couple people in the group said they are happy with their care, the majority had nothing but anger, pain, and frustration to voice.
“We want action,” one man said, prompting cheers and applause from the other veterans. “We’re tired of your mouth, word of mouth, sitting up there in your offices, getting your big paychecks. We want our veterans to be taken care of.”
Many complained that when they call the VA, no one answers the phone. When they do get to talk to someone, many told administrators at the meeting they are treated rudely and their problems are quickly dismissed.
Memphis VA Director Dr. Diane Knight told veterans she’s making improvements, like hiring more patient advocates.
She insists she’s transparent and wants only the best for patients.
“I do get out. I make a scheduled time to get out there, and I walk the hospital,” she told the veterans.
However, many at the meeting weren’t buying it.
“The only reason I even knew who you were, were because of the pictures on the wall,” one vet told Knight. “I saw you when the VA Secretary came down here, and I said it then. You have never walked the halls to ask us veterans what our problems are.”
Knight also announced plans to add additional operating rooms and work on parking issues. She said plans are in the works to build a parking garage for patients to use.
Patient advocates took numbers of those who had complaints at the meeting, telling them they would be in touch. WREG asked those veterans to stay in touch with us, to let us know if that happens.
