Hampton VA Increasing Training After Negative Report By Dept. of Veterans Affairs

A recent report issued by the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledged that the Hampton VA Medical Center missed numerous opportunities to provide hospice care to a man who was allegedly dying from cancer. The man was not named in local news reports; however, it is known that he was in his 50’s and suffering from lung cancer which had spread to his brain.

The now deceased man had visited the Hampton VA Medical Center on numerous occasions prior to his death but was never admitted for end of life treatment to help manage is pain and symptoms. According to reports, the man had first reported to the Hampton VA Medical Center in August of 2010 for medical care and to have prescription medications refilled. He returned to the hospital several days later complaining of pain, weakness and mental disabilities. He was released and sent home two days later.

According to reports, a case worker from the VA hospital called the man’s home to check up on him a few days after he was released from the hospital. At that time, the man’s wife allegedly inquired about hospice care, but no referrals were made by the caseworker for such care. The man’s spouse specifically requested hospice care several days later but was told that no hospice beds were available. Later that day, the man collapsed and was taken to the emergency room where he stayed in an intensive care unit for several days.

It was only after a private physician requested hospice care at the Hampton VA Medical Center that the man was scheduled for admission. Unfortunately, the man died prior to being admitted for care. No one at the Medical Center was fired or disciplined regarding the incident; however, the Medical Center has instituted an additional training session for doctors, nurses, social workers and other medical assistants who may be required to work with patients facing end of life and palliative care issues.