Iowa City VA under federal review

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General has opened a review into allegations of a “vindictive” atmosphere at the Iowa City VA that impact patient care.

“We're in the gathering-information stage,” said Cathy Gromek, spokeswoman for the office in Washington, D.C.

Gromek said none of the staff of more than 120 health care inspectors is in Iowa City, but she didn't rule out that possibility in the near future.

“At this point, we're not there yet,” she said.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, sent the office a letter in March, forwarding general complaints his office had received about the Iowa City VA Health Care System.

“Individuals who have spoken to my office believe their concerns have been largely ignored by the leadership at the Iowa City VA facility,” Grassley wrote. “These whistleblowers fear retaliation and characterize the working atmosphere as ‘vindictive,' which prevents many employees from voicing concerns to superiors.

“Morale has been described as ‘terrible,' causing many employees to consider looking elsewhere for employment,” he wrote. “Furthermore, it is alleged that those who keep their mouths shut about problems are rewarded with promotions while more qualified individuals are passed over for not going along with the ‘status quo.'”

Gromek said the Office of the Inspector General would not handle personnel issues. Those complaints would go to either the Office of Resolution Management or Office of Special Counsel.

She said the Iowa City VA last had a review in what's known as the combined assessment program in 2009. Typically, those reviews happen every three years.

The office responded with a letter this week to Grassley's staff, Gromek said.

Grassley's letter noted that there had been many complaints from patients and families regarding the quality of care, “and while these complaints are reported, the problems reoccur.

“In the end, the patients ultimately suffer the consequences by possibly receiving inadequate care due to the work environment that allegedly exists at this Iowa City facility.”

Valerie Buckingham, a spokeswoman for the Iowa City VA, said the facility had never received anything from Grassley. It was sent a copy of his letter anonymously, she said.

Employees of the VA can voice any complaints to a direct supervisor, a higher supervisor or to their union, Buckingham said.

“There are many avenues that they can go to if they have a concern or issues,” she said. “Anytime an issue or concern is brought to our attention, we check into it.”

Buckingham said the letter the VA received did not cite any specific complaints.

The Office of the Inspector General recently contacted the facility concerning the letter, she said.

“At this point we're awaiting guidance from them,” Buckingham said.

Grassley issued a statement saying whistle-blowers come to him because he “(makes) congressional oversight of the executive branch a priority.” He said he made his original request “so that everything necessary is done to make sure veterans receive the care that's intended for them and that they deserve.”