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It said 63,869 veterans enrolled in the VA health care system in the past 10 years have yet to be seen for an appointment.
“This data shows the extent of the systemic problems we face, problems that demand immediate actions,” said acting VA Secretary Sloane Gibson, who took over after Shinseki stepped aside.
Gibson’s statement said the VA has contacted 50,000 veterans “to get them off of wait lists and into clinics” so far.
Other steps he announced included:
• A new patient satisfaction measurement program.
• A hiring freeze at VA central headquarters in Washington and the 21 VHA regional offices, “except for critical positions to be approved by the secretary on a case-by-case basis.”