WASHINGTON - The Office of the Inspector General Wednesday released a long-awaited, and somewhat critical report into mental health treatment practices at the VA hospital in Togus, Maine. The review follows a national scandal last year over treatment delays at VA hospitals, and was carried out in response to a request by then-Congressman Mike Michaud, following allegations of mismanagement at Togus.
The OIG"s report finds many complaints against the hospital were unsubstantiated. But the federal watchdog did accuse Togus of not following proper procedures put in place to ensure timely mental health visits and referrals. Speaking from the capitol Wednesday afternoon, Maine 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, said she was disappointed in the report's findings.
"We all know that timely mental healthcare is critical for veterans, for their families. They shouldn't be made to wait for these services, and, even worse, they shouldn't get lost between the cracks," she says.
The OIG's report noted problems with scheduling, staffing and employee morale at Togus, which services almost 10,000 patients. Republican Congressman Bruce Poliquin - who succeeded Mike Michaud as U.S. House Representative for Maine's 2nd Congressional District - says the report raises grave concerns that some veterans have not been getting the care they need.
"It's about our veterans and we are responsible and have committed to them to provide the best health care we could possibly get them," he says. "They have earned this. They deserve it.:
Togus director Ryan Lilly, meanwhile, said he was pleased that the review did not substantiate the majority of the allegations made against the hospital.