Cohen’s Statement on Issues at the Memphis VA Medical Center

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) released the following statement after reports of issues at the Memphis Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center:

"Poor care at the Memphis VA Medical Center is unacceptable. That's why last year, after the Memphis VA received one out of five stars in the VA's quality-of-care rankings, I called then-Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health David Shulkin urging him to get the very best director for the Memphis VA. At the time, the Memphis VA had gone through several interim directors and the previous permanent director transferred due to issues at the hospital. Upon becoming Secretary of the VA, Dr. Shulkin appointed David Dunning as the director of the Memphis VA Medical Center. It is my understanding that the new director has been reviewing the practices at the hospital and has begun to implement changes to improve the quality of care. Clearly more improvements are needed. I've called the Secretary today to reiterate my concerns, and I will continue to work with the Secretary to ensure that Memphis receives all federal funding, staffing and aid necessary to ensure Memphis veterans receive the care that they deserve."