CRIST: URGENT ACTION NEEDED IN WAKE OF TROUBLING REPORTS AT BAY PINES
U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) is publicly calling for an investigation by the VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection into troubling claims of abuse reported by Bay Pines employees. Crist is requesting a status update from the Whistleblower office after sharing these allegations last year. His office transmitted new reports of alleged abuse to the VA this week.
Click here to view Congressman Crist's statement regarding his calls for investigation. Please find a copy of the letter attached and full text below: April 11, 2018 Mr. Kirk Nicholas Executive Director Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave, NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Executive Director Nicholas, I write to request an update on efforts to investigate reports of abuse at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System located in my congressional district. As you know, my office has transmitted for review grave allegations made by Bay Pines employees, both in person and in writing, that include the mistreatment of patients, threats of retaliation against whistleblowers, workplace harassment and discrimination, leaking of sensitive personal information of VA employees, poor working conditions, intentional creation and concealment of false reports, and bullying. These allegations, originally transmitted in December, now include new reports provided by our office this week, and are deeply, deeply troubling. As a Member of Congress, I have no greater responsibility than fighting for the more than 70,000 veterans who call Pinellas County home. They deserve the very best care, benefits, and support a grateful nation can offer. Allegations of a toxic environment and the mistreatment of patients at the Bay Pines VA are an affront to the first and only mission of the VA: serving and honoring America’s veterans. To that end, I request an update on efforts to investigate these serious matters. While thoroughness is appropriate, any delay in getting to the bottom of this situation deprives veterans of the VA they deserve. I look forward to hearing from you shortly. Sincerely, Charlie Crist UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN |
