Hampton VA center faulted in cases of suicide risk

Hampton VA center faulted in cases of suicide risk
By Bill Sizemore
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 7, 2013
HAMPTON

Four out of 10 veterans at high risk of suicide did not receive the required follow-up care after discharge from the Hampton VA Medical Center, a recent government inspection found.

According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs policy, veterans at high risk of suicide who are discharged from inpatient mental health care must be evaluated at least weekly for the first 30 days after discharge. In four of the 10 cases examined by inspectors in a periodic review by the department's Office of Inspector General, that did not occur.

Leaders at the medical center concurred with the inspectors' findings and said they have instituted corrective measures.

Before discharge, all patients at high risk of suicide are scheduled for four weekly appointments. If a patient doesn't show up for an appointment, follow-up phone calls are made.
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