Employees of VA hospitals testifed before a Senate committee looking into the scandal at many facilities and made it clear that there are still problems plaguing the department, not the least of which is whistleblower retaliation. Bill Straub: Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, Dr. Katherine Mitchell testified that VA officials have a “vested interest in suppressing negative information” and that those who choose to speak out are in dire need of further protections. The VA’s Office of Inspector General (IOG), Stevens said, “does not maintain whistleblower confidentiality, allows VA facilities to investigate themselves, does not conduct thorough investigations and whitewashes its reports.” Mitchell said the IOG’s shortcomings left her “incredibly disappointed to the point of being horrified.” The quality of medical service provided...(Read Full Post)