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VA fires Sharon Helman, head of Phoenix hospital at center of scandal, The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday fired the director of its Phoenix VA Health Care System, where long patient wait times were linked earlier this year to a series of patient deaths.
Sharon Helman, director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System, was fired Monday, nearly seven months after she and two high-ranking officials were placed on administrative leave amid allegations that 40 veterans died while awaiting treatment at the hospital. Helman had led the Phoenix facility since February 2012.
“Firing Helman is the right decision and long overdue,” Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) said in a statement. “The removal of Helman demonstrates that the VA has listened to our concerns and is serious about holding accountable those who put veterans at risk.”
Sinema said the more than $90,000 Helman was paid while on administrative leave was an “unacceptable use of taxpayer dollars.”
VA Secretary Robert McDonald said Helman’s dismissal underscores the agency’s commitment to hold leaders accountable and ensure that veterans have access to high-quality, timely care.
Helman is the fifth senior executive fired or forced to resign in recent weeks in response to the wait-time scandal.
Agencies/Canadajournal
