Shaheen Statement on Manchester VAMC Report from Office of Special Counsel

(Washington, DC) – Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement in response to the Office of Special Counsel’s report on the Manchester VAMC:

“This report is alarming and highlights the importance of having the Office of Special Counsel involved in investigating these serious claims,” said Senator Shaheen. "These findings validate many of the concerns raised by the whistleblowers.  It’s disturbing that the VA did not properly respond or investigate these matters. The VA must take this report seriously and take immediate action. I hope ongoing investigations and studies related to care at the Manchester VA will shed more light. Our veterans deserve nothing less than high quality, convenient, accessible healthcare, and I will not accept anything less.”

Senator Shaheen alerted the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), detailing allegations provided by whistleblowers, in 2016, which prompted this investigation. Shaheen also contacted then-Manchester VAMC Director Danielle Ocker and then-VA Under Secretary for Health David Shulkin about the claims when they were brought to her attention, and has continued to meet with the whistleblowers, Manchester VA representatives, Secretary Shulkin and members of the VA New Hampshire VISION 2025 Task Force to ensure there is accountability and that Granite State veterans have access to the full range of care services they deserve.