Former worker says Bay Pines VA harassed him for not spying
Tampa Bay Online
By Howard Altman
Tribune Staff
Published: August 10, 2015
Keith Hansford says his problems with the Bay Pines VA Police Department began almost as soon as he was promoted to officer in 2010.
Hansford, 52, worked his way up from a housekeeper at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital to a dispatcher. But Hansford said assistant police chief Manuel Morales wanted him to serve as an informant against officers who had sued the department. Hansford said that when he refused, his supervisors began a campaign of harassment against him that has continued even after he resigned in 2012.
The retaliation reached a peak, Hansford said, after he complained to Bay Pines hospital director Suzanne Klinker that untrained personnel were serving as VA police dispatchers and that VA police dispatch records about problems caused by that move had been deleted or never entered.
Hansford made these allegations in a claim filed last week against the VA, announcing he is seeking nearly $5 million as compensation for lost income and benefits as well as pain and suffering and loss of consortium, a legal term for the loss of marital relations. The claim says Hansford suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as the result of how he was treated.
The claim is the first step in filing a lawsuit against a government agency, allowing the agency 180 days to settle, reach a compromise or take no action.
read more here
Showing posts with label Tampa VA hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tampa VA hospital. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Second Veteran Received Wrong Records From Tampa VA
Second Tampa Bay veteran received someone else's medical records
WFLA News
By Shannon Behnken
Updated: Jan 26, 2015
A second Tampa Bay area veteran received someone else's confidential medical records in the mail.
8 On Your Side reported about a case last week when a woman found another veteran's records in her mail, and now another veteran has stepped forward.
Randy Blackford, of Port Richey, received a letter denying his disability compensation from the Veteran's Administration. That was bad enough, but, tucked inside, Blackford found the name, social security number and medical information belonging to another veteran.
"I'm worried somebody's information," Blackford said. "I've got this guys'. Hey, they probably got mine somewhere floating around."
The same thing happened to Carol McBride, who served in the Navy, when she got copies of her medical file from the Veteran's Administration.
When her 1,500 pages of medical records arrived, she found someone else's records sandwiched between hers. There are three EKG reports and doctor's notes for a man who was in the Army in the 1980's. His name, social security number and date of birth are right there: Everything someone would need for identity theft.
"I know more about him than I should know about him, and had it been someone who's not honest, they could have taken quite a bit of advantage of him," McBride said. "I shouldn't have to deal with this ... "I don't want to be responsible for someone else's medical records."
McBride also worries that if she has someone's records by mistake, someone else could have hers. After all, she ordered her file to make sure all of her records are there. She's battling with the VA over her compensation amount for a disability. She questions whether all of her records are there and wonders if this man needs the documents she now has.
read more here
WFLA News
By Shannon Behnken
Updated: Jan 26, 2015
A second Tampa Bay area veteran received someone else's confidential medical records in the mail.
8 On Your Side reported about a case last week when a woman found another veteran's records in her mail, and now another veteran has stepped forward.
Randy Blackford, of Port Richey, received a letter denying his disability compensation from the Veteran's Administration. That was bad enough, but, tucked inside, Blackford found the name, social security number and medical information belonging to another veteran.
"I'm worried somebody's information," Blackford said. "I've got this guys'. Hey, they probably got mine somewhere floating around."
The same thing happened to Carol McBride, who served in the Navy, when she got copies of her medical file from the Veteran's Administration.
When her 1,500 pages of medical records arrived, she found someone else's records sandwiched between hers. There are three EKG reports and doctor's notes for a man who was in the Army in the 1980's. His name, social security number and date of birth are right there: Everything someone would need for identity theft.
"I know more about him than I should know about him, and had it been someone who's not honest, they could have taken quite a bit of advantage of him," McBride said. "I shouldn't have to deal with this ... "I don't want to be responsible for someone else's medical records."
McBride also worries that if she has someone's records by mistake, someone else could have hers. After all, she ordered her file to make sure all of her records are there. She's battling with the VA over her compensation amount for a disability. She questions whether all of her records are there and wonders if this man needs the documents she now has.
read more here
Thursday, January 1, 2015
C.W. Bill Young VA deficit close to $50 million
Officials acknowledge $50 million deficit at Young VA, but insist it is not a concern
Tampa Bay.com
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
And doctors were told a few days earlier that a routine review of salaries to ensure their pay is competitive with the private sector was being suspended because the hospital had a major budget shortfall.
Internal documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times indicate the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, the nation's fourth busiest with an annual budget of $660 million, was running a deficit close to $50 million and some costs were being trimmed to close the gap.
But regional VA officials deny any cuts at the Young VA, located near Seminole, and said the hospital was having no financial difficulties. Internal emails noting cuts were based on misunderstandings by supervisors, VA officials said, and were sent out in error. Officials said they have since been rescinded.
Joleen Clark, the VA regional director overseeing hospitals in Florida, did not deny in an interview Wednesday that the Young VA was projecting a deficit close to $50 million in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.
read more here
Tampa Bay.com
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
 |
The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and its satellite clinics
employ nearly 4,000 people who serve more than 100,000.
CHERIE DIEZ | Times
|
Supervisors at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center were told recently to keep quiet about performance bonuses owed to employees retiring after Sept. 30, and to not pay them unless retirees specifically asked for their money.
And doctors were told a few days earlier that a routine review of salaries to ensure their pay is competitive with the private sector was being suspended because the hospital had a major budget shortfall.
Internal documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times indicate the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, the nation's fourth busiest with an annual budget of $660 million, was running a deficit close to $50 million and some costs were being trimmed to close the gap.
But regional VA officials deny any cuts at the Young VA, located near Seminole, and said the hospital was having no financial difficulties. Internal emails noting cuts were based on misunderstandings by supervisors, VA officials said, and were sent out in error. Officials said they have since been rescinded.
Joleen Clark, the VA regional director overseeing hospitals in Florida, did not deny in an interview Wednesday that the Young VA was projecting a deficit close to $50 million in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.
read more here
Monday, October 6, 2014
Tampa VA Hospital Workers had to be told to answer the phone?
Tampa VA hospital boss to employees: Answer the phones
Tampa Bay Online
By Howard Altman
Tribune Staff
Published: October 6, 2014
One of the biggest complaints about the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is the time it takes to get someone there to answer the phone.
Kathleen Fogarty, director of the Tampa hospital, wants to change that.
On Monday morning, she sent an email blast to all 4,900 hospital employees calling on them to be ready to take incoming calls.
“The number one thing you can do to build trust, improve access and better serve our patients is to answer the phone and to call veterans back in a timely manner,” she wrote in an email sent to all employees.
“We get feedback about the frustration of calling our medical center just about every time we engage with our veterans. They wait to get through, and once they do, the phones just rings on the other end – sometimes for 20 minutes or more! – or they never get a return call if they leave voicemail.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to answer the phone. It is the first rule of good customer service and to be a five-star organization we must answer calls in a timely manner and return voicemail messages.”
read more here
Tampa Bay Online
By Howard Altman
Tribune Staff
Published: October 6, 2014
One of the biggest complaints about the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is the time it takes to get someone there to answer the phone.
Kathleen Fogarty, director of the Tampa hospital, wants to change that.
On Monday morning, she sent an email blast to all 4,900 hospital employees calling on them to be ready to take incoming calls.
“The number one thing you can do to build trust, improve access and better serve our patients is to answer the phone and to call veterans back in a timely manner,” she wrote in an email sent to all employees.
“We get feedback about the frustration of calling our medical center just about every time we engage with our veterans. They wait to get through, and once they do, the phones just rings on the other end – sometimes for 20 minutes or more! – or they never get a return call if they leave voicemail.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to answer the phone. It is the first rule of good customer service and to be a five-star organization we must answer calls in a timely manner and return voicemail messages.”
read more here
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Tampa Sunset Apartments kicking out disabled veterans over management change
Veterans living near VA kicked out of apartments
FOX 13 News - MyFoxTampaBay.com
TAMPA (FOX 13)
Residents at Sunset Plaza said they aren't asking for much.
Saulo Soriao-Brito chose Sunset Plaza because it is right next to the V.A. Hospital, but life for the Vietnam veteran has been disrupted by a letter.
"I don't know what I am going to do. That is what worries me. What am I going to do what am I going to do?" he said.
The letter is from the new property managers. It gives residents 30 days to get out.
"I'm thinking that I will just take my clothes and papers and just get out of here," he said.
A few doors down, Vietnam vet James Valentine is not sure what to do.
"Give us some time realistic time. Not just 30 day notice then, you are out of here," he said.
After the war, he lost both of his legs.
"I have had numerous surgeries and rehabilitations," he said.
He relies on the V.A. and needs to be close. He is worried because he does not have any help to leave.
read more here
FOX 13 News - MyFoxTampaBay.com
TAMPA (FOX 13)
Residents at Sunset Plaza said they aren't asking for much.
Saulo Soriao-Brito chose Sunset Plaza because it is right next to the V.A. Hospital, but life for the Vietnam veteran has been disrupted by a letter.
"I don't know what I am going to do. That is what worries me. What am I going to do what am I going to do?" he said.
The letter is from the new property managers. It gives residents 30 days to get out.
"I'm thinking that I will just take my clothes and papers and just get out of here," he said.
A few doors down, Vietnam vet James Valentine is not sure what to do.
"Give us some time realistic time. Not just 30 day notice then, you are out of here," he said.
After the war, he lost both of his legs.
"I have had numerous surgeries and rehabilitations," he said.
He relies on the V.A. and needs to be close. He is worried because he does not have any help to leave.
read more here
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Warrior Soul Mates Learn Healing at Tampa VA
Emotions are not the problem and this point was stressed over and over again. Holding it in and not releasing it is bad and that is the truth. How can you find room to be happy if bad feelings fill you up? Feeling is good but when it is brought on by something bad, it takes hold and until you overcome it. Think it is impossible? It isn't.
Too often veterans feel as if they are trapped in the pain but that is just because they don't see PTSD truthfully. The truth is, PTSD was caused by something bad that happened. It changes the way they think, the way they feel and the way they react. The truth is also that they can change again. Yep, change again. Not a secret. No trick.
If they stop wanting to fit back in again with people who never experienced what they did, then they are in for a huge disappointment. They can't understand that their experiences put them into a different reality. The clincher is, no one has the same experiences and it isn't a contest. One member of a unit may need more help than others and one may be able to give more care than anyone else. One may be a total jerk on the surface but his history could have been a lifetime of rotten events and he just needs someone to show they care. Who knows? Who can be the judge?
The problem is they do judge. They judge themselves harder than anyone else. They want to go back to the way they were before and when they can't they think it is their fault. They believe the BS that their suffering has to be about what is wrong with them. They may think everyone else they were with was just stronger than they were but PTSD has nothing to do with how mentally strong someone is. It has more to do with how strong their ability to feel is. Yes, you read that right. The stronger they can feel good things, the stronger they feel bad things.
As for loving them, well, what you may love the most about them is also what can cause them the most pain.
If you love a veteran then think of it this way.
If you make it more about helping them through the dark days and less about how they make you feel. When you understand that none of it is coming from a mean place but is coming from a hurting place inside of them, the more you are able to not take it personally and help them heal.
How to Go from Anger, Fear and Sadness to Relief and Love
Too often veterans feel as if they are trapped in the pain but that is just because they don't see PTSD truthfully. The truth is, PTSD was caused by something bad that happened. It changes the way they think, the way they feel and the way they react. The truth is also that they can change again. Yep, change again. Not a secret. No trick.
If they stop wanting to fit back in again with people who never experienced what they did, then they are in for a huge disappointment. They can't understand that their experiences put them into a different reality. The clincher is, no one has the same experiences and it isn't a contest. One member of a unit may need more help than others and one may be able to give more care than anyone else. One may be a total jerk on the surface but his history could have been a lifetime of rotten events and he just needs someone to show they care. Who knows? Who can be the judge?
The problem is they do judge. They judge themselves harder than anyone else. They want to go back to the way they were before and when they can't they think it is their fault. They believe the BS that their suffering has to be about what is wrong with them. They may think everyone else they were with was just stronger than they were but PTSD has nothing to do with how mentally strong someone is. It has more to do with how strong their ability to feel is. Yes, you read that right. The stronger they can feel good things, the stronger they feel bad things.
As for loving them, well, what you may love the most about them is also what can cause them the most pain.
If you love a veteran then think of it this way.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
New International Version (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
If you make it more about helping them through the dark days and less about how they make you feel. When you understand that none of it is coming from a mean place but is coming from a hurting place inside of them, the more you are able to not take it personally and help them heal.
Veterans, Caregivers Learn to Be Healing to Each Other in Innovative Warrior to Soul Mate Programs
Fatherhood Channel
by ROB HENTHORN
APRIL 15, 2014
“There is significantly greater understanding, an enhanced ability to resolve conflict in a positive way, really talk to and hear one another, and have new ways of nurturing a close intimate, and respectful relationship with each other, which then affects the entire household in a positive way.”by ROBERT HENTHORN
Chaplain Barbara Nollie
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
Tampa, Florida
FATHERHOODCHANNEL.COM
The Department of Veterans Affairs is continuing to expand innovative efforts to help Veterans strengthen relationships with spouses, significant others and caregivers through relationship skills training many have found helpful to reducing symptoms of stress, boosting relationship happiness and resiliency
First lady Michelle Obama last week called on Americans to match the sacrifice of the military families with support for them. “We have to keep asking ourselves, what more can we do,” she said at a joint meeting with Jill Biden, former Senator Elizabeth Dole and former first lady Rosalyn Carter.
Nearly 5.5 million Americans are caring for service members and Veterans, including 1.1 million who are caring for someone who served after Sept. 11, 2001. Many of those Veterans and service members are impacted by traumatic stress, which can take a heavy toll on relationships.
A study from the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder found, “People diagnosed with PTSD are three to six times more likely to divorce than those without PTSD.” Drs. Candice Monson and Casey Taft reported that a PTSD diagnosis was associated with a 400 percent increase in the likelihood of marital distress. Earlier this year, Jennifer Price, PhD, and Susan Stevens, PsyD reported on research that found ”Veterans’ PTSD symptoms can negatively impact family relationships and that family relationships may exacerbate or ameliorate a veteran’s PTSD.”
read more here
How to Go from Anger, Fear and Sadness to Relief and Love
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Nam Knights Westside Chapter annual pig roast for Haley House
This just made my day! We couldn't make it out there but very happy it was a success. These guys are amazing!
Nam Knights Westside Draws Motorcyclists to the Cause
Representatives from the Haley House Fund talk about their cause and give thanks for the annual Nam Knights Westside Chapter charity pig roast fundraiser, held this year at Winthrop in Riverview on April 6.
By Linda Chion Kenney
A scene from the 2013 annual Nam Knights Westside Chapter pig roast charity fundraiser at the Winthrop Pole Barn in Riverview. Credit: Linda Chion Kenney
For seven of the nine years the Haley House Fund has been in existence the Nam Knight Westside Chapter has held an annual pig roast fundraiser at Winthrop to raise funds for the fund's mission.
"It's gone quite well," said Vietnam veteran Dave Braun, a former honrary mayor of Brandon, who heralded the Haley House Fund formation years ago at a Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Event. "We're all proud of doing what we're doing and for who we're doing it for, which are our most injured soldiers, at the James Haley Veterans Hospital. Our focus is on the families and friends of these soldiers, we put them up."
Braun spoke his mind at the seventh annual charity pig roast fundraiser, held April 6 at the Winthrop Pole Barn in Riverview.
"In my view, there are three things necessary for a soldier's rehabiliation," he said. "One, the best doctors and staff. Two, the best facility possible. Number three, and not necessarily in that order, family members at their bedside, and that's where we come in."
Mary Ann Keckler, with the aid of Mary Ellen Harlan and Dr. Steven Scott, founded the Haley House Fund, a charity that houses and supports the families of soldiers cared for at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, at 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
read more here
Monday, March 25, 2013
Nursing shortage at Tampa VA leaves veterans suffering
Union: Haley VA has critical nursing shortage
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 23, 2013
TAMPA — Army Staff Sgt. Alex Dillmann, his spine severely wounded by an explosion in Afghanistan, said his nurses at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center were horribly overworked and short-staffed.
He said his wound dressing wasn't changed often enough nor would he get pain medication promptly. If he soiled himself, Dillmann said, it could take 40 minutes for a nurse to answer a call button.
His wife started doing some of the nurse's work herself out of necessity, the couple said. Finally, Dillmann asked the Army to send him to another hospital. In September 2012, he transferred to a private Atlanta facility.
"Things were just being overlooked," said Dillmann, 27, of Tampa, who is now out of the hospital.
"You feel powerless to do anything about it. I got out. But I know there are soldiers still dealing with the same problems."
Haley, one of the nation's busiest veterans hospitals and one of just five with a polytrauma center for the most critically wounded troops, has a severe nursing shortage that is endangering patients, according to the facility's nursing union, National Nurses United.
read more here
William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 23, 2013
TAMPA — Army Staff Sgt. Alex Dillmann, his spine severely wounded by an explosion in Afghanistan, said his nurses at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center were horribly overworked and short-staffed.
He said his wound dressing wasn't changed often enough nor would he get pain medication promptly. If he soiled himself, Dillmann said, it could take 40 minutes for a nurse to answer a call button.
His wife started doing some of the nurse's work herself out of necessity, the couple said. Finally, Dillmann asked the Army to send him to another hospital. In September 2012, he transferred to a private Atlanta facility.
"Things were just being overlooked," said Dillmann, 27, of Tampa, who is now out of the hospital.
"You feel powerless to do anything about it. I got out. But I know there are soldiers still dealing with the same problems."
Haley, one of the nation's busiest veterans hospitals and one of just five with a polytrauma center for the most critically wounded troops, has a severe nursing shortage that is endangering patients, according to the facility's nursing union, National Nurses United.
read more here
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Suicides and spying at Tampa VA?
Yesterday I received two emails about James A. Haley Veterans Hospital (Tampa VA) and I struggled with wanting to post it but being unable to verify the stories. Today the senders responded with pleas for help. While I am not a reporter and do not have the means to verify these allegations, if they are serious enough for these two people to be reaching out, they need to be investigated!
The other email came from a Korean War veteran's family member about the hidden camera in his room. The email stated Tampa VA has refused to release the taped videos to the family.
James A. Haley VA reports contradict its claims on covert camera
Senator Nelson wants answers on hidden camera at Tampa VA
Vietnam veteran's suffering causes new allegations against Tampa VA
Again, where are the reporters? Why aren't they fully investigating this? Why do veterans feel they have no other choice but to contact a blogger tracking reports?
"Unfortunately, this veteran's death remains one of Haley's well kept secrets. My prayers remain with his loved ones and their unanswered questions. We witnessed this vet motionless; and slumped over in his chair in an enormous pool of blood. His identity was protected with a white sheet that was placed over his head. His name remains unknown.Where are the reporters with the means to cover this story? Where are the elected representatives of this state?
Therefore, I named him the Valentine Veteran.
Unfortunately, multiple suicides are taking place in or on the premises at Haley; and kept a secret. This is obviously their last cry for help! The very next day there was no sympathy or remorse. For the most part, if the nation realized how many vets took their lives at this one hosspital in a short timeframe. Suicide amongst vets will be taken more seriously. These actions are blatant disrespectf to all veterans; especially, those vets suffering with PTSD and suicidal ideations!
There was a VA chaplain present the entire time. She was compassionate, understanding and hurt. Most importantly, she is a vet. Therefore, she provided support for the bystanders...Kathie, if possible can you pass this story along; and maybe one day this veteran's last cry for help may be heard?"
The other email came from a Korean War veteran's family member about the hidden camera in his room. The email stated Tampa VA has refused to release the taped videos to the family.
Tampa VA removes hidden camera
VA says covert camera was only one hidden, no plans to use again
By Matt Grant
CREATED AUG. 9, 2012
FORT MYERS - The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital has removed a covert camera hidden inside a smoke detector that was used to videotape brain damaged Korean War veteran Joseph Carnegie against his family's wishes.
Congress began investigating the Tampa VA's use of covert cameras last week. The VA tells Fox 4 the type of camera used to monitor Carnegie's condition was the only one they've ever used like that.
"There are currently no cameras of this type installed, in use or in stock for use at Tampa VA," said spokesperson Mary Kay Hollingsworth. "The camera which was removed from Mr. Carnegie's room will not be placed back into stock."
read more here
James A. Haley VA reports contradict its claims on covert camera
Senator Nelson wants answers on hidden camera at Tampa VA
Vietnam veteran's suffering causes new allegations against Tampa VA
Again, where are the reporters? Why aren't they fully investigating this? Why do veterans feel they have no other choice but to contact a blogger tracking reports?
Friday, December 21, 2012
Vietnam veteran's suffering causes new allegations against Tampa VA
New allegations against Tampa VA
Congressional investigation expected to finish in February
WFTX News
By Matt Grant
CREATED DEC. 20, 2012
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - There are new, disturbing allegations against the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.
Despite the Tampa VA's promise to clean up its act another soldier's family is speaking out accusing the VA of providing sub-standard care.
"I could not go home at night living with myself," said Port Charlotte resident Suzanne Wager, "if I treated my parents the way my father-in-law has been treated. I am disgusted."
Fighting back tears, Suzanne, a nursing assistant, said she is livid over how the Tampa VA is treating her father-in-law.
'Negligent care?'
"It's negligent care," she said. "That's how I feel."
Ralph Wager, 72, a retired air force mechanic was admitted after Thanksgiving suffering from a lingering spinal injury from Vietnam.
read more here
Congressional investigation expected to finish in February
WFTX News
By Matt Grant
CREATED DEC. 20, 2012
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - There are new, disturbing allegations against the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.
Despite the Tampa VA's promise to clean up its act another soldier's family is speaking out accusing the VA of providing sub-standard care.
"I could not go home at night living with myself," said Port Charlotte resident Suzanne Wager, "if I treated my parents the way my father-in-law has been treated. I am disgusted."
Fighting back tears, Suzanne, a nursing assistant, said she is livid over how the Tampa VA is treating her father-in-law.
'Negligent care?'
"It's negligent care," she said. "That's how I feel."
Ralph Wager, 72, a retired air force mechanic was admitted after Thanksgiving suffering from a lingering spinal injury from Vietnam.
read more here
Friday, August 10, 2012
Tampa VA removes hidden camera
Tampa VA removes covert camera
VA says covert camera was only one hidden, no plans to use again
By Matt Grant
CREATED AUG. 9, 2012
FORT MYERS - The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital has removed a covert camera hidden inside a smoke detector that was used to videotape brain damaged Korean War veteran Joseph Carnegie against his family's wishes.
Congress began investigating the Tampa VA's use of covert cameras last week. The VA tells Fox 4 the type of camera used to monitor Carnegie's condition was the only one they've ever used like that.
"There are currently no cameras of this type installed, in use or in stock for use at Tampa VA," said spokesperson Mary Kay Hollingsworth. "The camera which was removed from Mr. Carnegie's room will not be placed back into stock."
read more here
July 14, 2012
Hidden camera found in patient's room at James A Haley VA hospital
VA says covert camera was only one hidden, no plans to use again
By Matt Grant
CREATED AUG. 9, 2012
FORT MYERS - The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital has removed a covert camera hidden inside a smoke detector that was used to videotape brain damaged Korean War veteran Joseph Carnegie against his family's wishes.
Congress began investigating the Tampa VA's use of covert cameras last week. The VA tells Fox 4 the type of camera used to monitor Carnegie's condition was the only one they've ever used like that.
"There are currently no cameras of this type installed, in use or in stock for use at Tampa VA," said spokesperson Mary Kay Hollingsworth. "The camera which was removed from Mr. Carnegie's room will not be placed back into stock."
read more here
July 14, 2012
Hidden camera found in patient's room at James A Haley VA hospital
Friday, August 3, 2012
Senator Nelson wants answers on hidden camera at Tampa VA
Sen. Nelson calls for investigation on Haley VA medical center's covert camera
By William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 3, 2012
TAMPA — Sen. Bill Nelson asked the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general on Thursday to investigate the James A. Haley VA Medical Center's use of a camera disguised to look like a smoke detector in a patient's room.
Nelson sought an inquiry to determine whether Haley had ever used hidden cameras before and whether any other VA hospital had ever done so.
This comes on top of an investigation launched earlier this week by the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee. Haley spokeswoman Carolyn Clark said the VA will no longer answer questions about the camera. Its use was first reported in a July 10 story by the Tampa Bay Times.
The VA has sent a response to the committee. Both the VA and committee, chaired by Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Pensacola, refused to provide a copy to the Times.
read more here
original story
Hidden camera found in patient's room at James A Haley VA hospital
By William R. Levesque
Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 3, 2012
TAMPA — Sen. Bill Nelson asked the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general on Thursday to investigate the James A. Haley VA Medical Center's use of a camera disguised to look like a smoke detector in a patient's room.
Nelson sought an inquiry to determine whether Haley had ever used hidden cameras before and whether any other VA hospital had ever done so.
This comes on top of an investigation launched earlier this week by the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee. Haley spokeswoman Carolyn Clark said the VA will no longer answer questions about the camera. Its use was first reported in a July 10 story by the Tampa Bay Times.
The VA has sent a response to the committee. Both the VA and committee, chaired by Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Pensacola, refused to provide a copy to the Times.
read more here
original story
Hidden camera found in patient's room at James A Haley VA hospital
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Health survey headed to Tampa Bay veterans of Camp Lejeune
Health survey headed to Tampa Bay veterans of Camp Lejeune
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Sep 06, 2011 07:07 PM
Times Staff Writer
Tampa Bay residents who lived at Camp Lejeune, N.C., between 1972 and 1986 will receive a health survey by Friday as scientists research whether the base's polluted water harmed their health.
About 250,000 former residents of the Marine Corps base in every U.S. state are getting the mailing from the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, ATSDR officials say.
The survey is one of the largest of its type ever conducted and includes about 14,000 Floridians — 2,816 of those from the Tampa Bay area. ATSDR says the work may help direct future research.
But the survey, which must be returned to ATSDR by Christmas, comes amid controversy as critics accuse the Marine Corps and its Navy overseers of trying to quash participation. The Corps denies the charge.
"The Marine Corps fully supports ATSDR's work on the health survey and strongly encourages participation," said Capt. Kendra Hardesty, a Corps spokeswoman. "The more surveys that are filled out and returned, the more likely the results will be useful."
read more here
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Sep 06, 2011 07:07 PM
Times Staff Writer
Tampa Bay residents who lived at Camp Lejeune, N.C., between 1972 and 1986 will receive a health survey by Friday as scientists research whether the base's polluted water harmed their health.
About 250,000 former residents of the Marine Corps base in every U.S. state are getting the mailing from the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, ATSDR officials say.
The survey is one of the largest of its type ever conducted and includes about 14,000 Floridians — 2,816 of those from the Tampa Bay area. ATSDR says the work may help direct future research.
But the survey, which must be returned to ATSDR by Christmas, comes amid controversy as critics accuse the Marine Corps and its Navy overseers of trying to quash participation. The Corps denies the charge.
"The Marine Corps fully supports ATSDR's work on the health survey and strongly encourages participation," said Capt. Kendra Hardesty, a Corps spokeswoman. "The more surveys that are filled out and returned, the more likely the results will be useful."
read more here
Monday, August 29, 2011
VA directors received retention bonuses just before retiring?
Haley, Bay Pines VA directors received retention bonuses just before retiring
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Monday, August 29, 2011
TAMPA — The former directors of Tampa Bay's two veterans hospitals received a combined $65,000 in retention bonuses not because another hospital called with a better job.
They got them, oddly enough, because they were close to retirement.
A St. Petersburg Times review of retention bonuses paid to the directors of the Haley and Bay Pines VA medical centers calls into question whether the Department of Veterans Affairs ever determined that the men would have left their jobs without the extra money.
Both directors said they never asked for the money.
In fact, Bay Pines' former director, Wallace Hopkins, 64, said the bonuses did not delay his retirement at all.
"But the retention was nice to build up my savings account," said Hopkins, who worked at the VA for 40 years.
Hopkins, who retired April 1, and former Haley director Stephen Lucas continued to receive retention payments for three months or more after announcing their retirements, the VA confirmed. Lucas, 66, retired in March 2010.
read more here
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Monday, August 29, 2011
TAMPA — The former directors of Tampa Bay's two veterans hospitals received a combined $65,000 in retention bonuses not because another hospital called with a better job.
They got them, oddly enough, because they were close to retirement.
A St. Petersburg Times review of retention bonuses paid to the directors of the Haley and Bay Pines VA medical centers calls into question whether the Department of Veterans Affairs ever determined that the men would have left their jobs without the extra money.
Both directors said they never asked for the money.
In fact, Bay Pines' former director, Wallace Hopkins, 64, said the bonuses did not delay his retirement at all.
"But the retention was nice to build up my savings account," said Hopkins, who worked at the VA for 40 years.
Hopkins, who retired April 1, and former Haley director Stephen Lucas continued to receive retention payments for three months or more after announcing their retirements, the VA confirmed. Lucas, 66, retired in March 2010.
read more here
Friday, November 19, 2010
Staff at Tampa VA learn to not wake up PTSD patients
Staff at Tampa VA learn to not wake up PTSD patients
November 19, 2010 posted by Chaplain Kathie · 9 Comments
This has been fairly big news down here in Florida. A wounded 22 year old veteran out of Cape Coral wanted to recover closer to home, so he was transferred from Walter Reed to Tampa VA, A. James Haley Hospital. It was a move that made it worse for him. One of the biggest issues was that this soldier was suffering physically and from PTSD but staff members were still waking up PTSD soldiers in the middle of the night.
read more here
Staff at Tampa VA learn to not wake up PTSD patients
November 19, 2010 posted by Chaplain Kathie · 9 Comments
This has been fairly big news down here in Florida. A wounded 22 year old veteran out of Cape Coral wanted to recover closer to home, so he was transferred from Walter Reed to Tampa VA, A. James Haley Hospital. It was a move that made it worse for him. One of the biggest issues was that this soldier was suffering physically and from PTSD but staff members were still waking up PTSD soldiers in the middle of the night.
read more here
Staff at Tampa VA learn to not wake up PTSD patients
MOH Salvatore on Colbert Report
Last night Steven Colbert struggled to interview the first living Medal of Honor hero since the Vietnam War. Giunta struggled to respond to being called a hero as he said he did not fight alone, did not serve alone and that the award belongs to all serving. If you want to know what kind of men and women we have serving today, watch this clip, then come back.
Why is it that we never seem to grasp this one simple fact? They do not serve alone but they end up going from an Army of one to being a veteran alone. They are forced to fight a battle the rest of us are supposed to be fighting for them. The battle to heal after combat.
Here is one example of this. I posted this on Veterans Today about a wounded Afghanistan soldier and how he was treated.
Congresswoman Kathy Casto went to Tampa VA after Private First Class Corey Kent had been transferred from Walter Reed to recover closer to home but ended up getting worse then had to fight to be transferred back to Walter Reed.
Staff at Tampa VA learn to not wake up PTSD patients
November 19, 2010 posted by Chaplain Kathie
"They plan to educate their staff on PTSD" which means what? They have not done this yet? How many years are we into PTSD research? No, not since the troops were sent into Iraq or even Afghanistan, but going all the way back to the 70's when Vietnam veterans came home and fought to make it happen. Educating staff now is about 40 years too late. How could they have ignored something as simple as not waking up combat veterans with physical wounds? A bomb wounded Kent yet staff had to be told that waking him up by shaking his bed was not a good thing to do?
This happens all the time as the troops come home across the country and it is even worse for the National Guards and Reservists coming back home home to their civilian lives. It is almost as if the military says, "Hey, thanks for showing up but now you're on your own."
Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta received the Medal of Honor for saving two lives and being a hero in battle but after listening to him last night, this man will end up saving a lot more because of what he said. He did not do it alone and maybe, just maybe, no one will allow them to come home and end up being a veteran alone.
Thursday November 18, 2010
Salvatore Giunta
Salvatore Giunta gives credit to all the unsung heroes who didn't receive a Medal of Honor for bravery in Afghanistan
Salvatore Giunta MOH
Why is it that we never seem to grasp this one simple fact? They do not serve alone but they end up going from an Army of one to being a veteran alone. They are forced to fight a battle the rest of us are supposed to be fighting for them. The battle to heal after combat.
Here is one example of this. I posted this on Veterans Today about a wounded Afghanistan soldier and how he was treated.
Congresswoman Kathy Casto went to Tampa VA after Private First Class Corey Kent had been transferred from Walter Reed to recover closer to home but ended up getting worse then had to fight to be transferred back to Walter Reed.
Staff at Tampa VA learn to not wake up PTSD patients
November 19, 2010 posted by Chaplain Kathie
* They plan to educate their staff on PTSD to ensure they take into account the unique issues facing these patients and adjust their treatment accordingly. They indicated to me that they understand your concern with having a care provider come into his room in the middle of the night and shake his bed as inappropriate for someone suffering from PTSD.
read more here
Tampa VA
"They plan to educate their staff on PTSD" which means what? They have not done this yet? How many years are we into PTSD research? No, not since the troops were sent into Iraq or even Afghanistan, but going all the way back to the 70's when Vietnam veterans came home and fought to make it happen. Educating staff now is about 40 years too late. How could they have ignored something as simple as not waking up combat veterans with physical wounds? A bomb wounded Kent yet staff had to be told that waking him up by shaking his bed was not a good thing to do?
This happens all the time as the troops come home across the country and it is even worse for the National Guards and Reservists coming back home home to their civilian lives. It is almost as if the military says, "Hey, thanks for showing up but now you're on your own."
Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta received the Medal of Honor for saving two lives and being a hero in battle but after listening to him last night, this man will end up saving a lot more because of what he said. He did not do it alone and maybe, just maybe, no one will allow them to come home and end up being a veteran alone.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tampa veteran's hospital earns state honor
Tampa veteran's hospital earns state honor
By Joyce McKenzie The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 14, 2010
UNIVERSITY AREA - When put to the test at the state level, the management and staff at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics have validated their worth.
One of the Department of Veterans Affairs biggest health care facilities has been named a recipient of the 2010 Governor's Sterling Award, an honor that for 18 years has acknowledged organizations and businesses throughout Florida that demonstrate excellence.
Officials from Haley, along with Orlando's Florida Hospital and South Miami Hospital, will be on hand to receive the award June 4 in Orlando. It's the first time in the award's history that the recipients all come from the health care industry.
Each of the honorees has gone through a rigorous process of on-site evaluations where Florida Sterling Council-appointed examiners rated them on the basis of knowledge, leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, results and analyses. Employees at all levels were interviewed.
Nancy Reissener, Haley's acting medical center director, is pleased to represent what she considers an outstanding team of colleagues.
"This award is in recognition of the quality of work, professionalism and dedication of the staff at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics," she said. "Our veterans deserve the best care anywhere and I am so proud of our employees who make this happen every day."
Sterling Award winners are meant to serve as role model organizations across the state and their business practices are intended to help other institutions elevate their performance and productivity levels.
go here for more
Tampa veterans hospital earns state honor
By Joyce McKenzie The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 14, 2010
UNIVERSITY AREA - When put to the test at the state level, the management and staff at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics have validated their worth.
One of the Department of Veterans Affairs biggest health care facilities has been named a recipient of the 2010 Governor's Sterling Award, an honor that for 18 years has acknowledged organizations and businesses throughout Florida that demonstrate excellence.
Officials from Haley, along with Orlando's Florida Hospital and South Miami Hospital, will be on hand to receive the award June 4 in Orlando. It's the first time in the award's history that the recipients all come from the health care industry.
Each of the honorees has gone through a rigorous process of on-site evaluations where Florida Sterling Council-appointed examiners rated them on the basis of knowledge, leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, results and analyses. Employees at all levels were interviewed.
Nancy Reissener, Haley's acting medical center director, is pleased to represent what she considers an outstanding team of colleagues.
"This award is in recognition of the quality of work, professionalism and dedication of the staff at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics," she said. "Our veterans deserve the best care anywhere and I am so proud of our employees who make this happen every day."
Sterling Award winners are meant to serve as role model organizations across the state and their business practices are intended to help other institutions elevate their performance and productivity levels.
go here for more
Tampa veterans hospital earns state honor
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Haley VA center apologizes after vet dies
"It just don't seem right," said Szamlewski's widow, Marie. "I just don't understand why they didn't give it to him. Maybe my story can help somebody else to know they've got to stay on the VA every minute."
Haley VA center apologizes after vet dies
By William R. Levesque, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, November 15, 2008
TAMPA — During his recovery from cancer surgery, doctors put Jim Szamlewski on oxygen to help keep him alive.
But they discharged him from the James A. Haley VA Medical Center without the thing most essential to his survival: oxygen.
For up to six agonizing hours on Sept. 5, the 75-year-old Army veteran struggled for breath as his condition deteriorated, his wife said. The oxygen finally arrived. But Szamlewski's heart stopped 12 hours after his discharge. Though it was restarted, his brain had been irreparably damaged.
Szamlewski, of Land O'Lakes, died with the removal of life support on Sept. 9.
His is the third case detailed by the St. Petersburg Times in recent months in which a veteran died after either being misdiagnosed or discharged without vital supplies or equipment.
After a Times inquiry, the Department of Veterans Affairs regional director requested a review of the Szamlewski case by the agency's independent watchdog, the Office of Medical Inspector.
go here for more
http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/veterans/article903950.ece
Monday, November 10, 2008
Dying veteran sent from Tampa VA to hospice died without breathing machine
Transfer of VA patient goes awry
By William R. Levesque, Times staff writer
In print: Sunday, November 9, 2008
TAMPA — His body racked by vascular disease, 85-year-old Varrian "Otto" Wigner struggled with every breath.
Doctors at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa could do little for him. They suggested the World War II veteran be sent to a hospice. Wigner's wife agreed but said she insisted on one condition:
The breathing device that eased her husband's suffering and helped keep him alive must be waiting for him. Haley didn't object.
But the device wasn't waiting on Aug. 29. The hospice immediately tried to get Haley to take Wigner back, his widow said.
Haley refused, his wife said, and Wigner died in less than 24 hours.
"They dumped him like garbage on the street," said Alina Wigner, 76, of Weeki Wachee, Wigner's wife of 53 years. "I never thought the VA would let him down like this."
The case is the third detailed by the St. Petersburg Times in recent months about allegations of poor patient care or veterans who said Haley was too busy to treat them.
click post title for more
By William R. Levesque, Times staff writer
In print: Sunday, November 9, 2008
TAMPA — His body racked by vascular disease, 85-year-old Varrian "Otto" Wigner struggled with every breath.
Doctors at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa could do little for him. They suggested the World War II veteran be sent to a hospice. Wigner's wife agreed but said she insisted on one condition:
The breathing device that eased her husband's suffering and helped keep him alive must be waiting for him. Haley didn't object.
But the device wasn't waiting on Aug. 29. The hospice immediately tried to get Haley to take Wigner back, his widow said.
Haley refused, his wife said, and Wigner died in less than 24 hours.
"They dumped him like garbage on the street," said Alina Wigner, 76, of Weeki Wachee, Wigner's wife of 53 years. "I never thought the VA would let him down like this."
The case is the third detailed by the St. Petersburg Times in recent months about allegations of poor patient care or veterans who said Haley was too busy to treat them.
click post title for more
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
James A. Haley VA Hospital VA Clinic Would Make A Difference
New VA Clinic Would Make A Difference
The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 11, 2008
The James A. Haley VA Hospital & Clinics is the busiest of the nation's 164 Veterans Administration hospitals and the fifth most complex in terms of medical care provided.
Yet employees and veterans face a space crunch. Often near-skirmishes occur in the parking lot. There simply isn't enough room.
Veterans arriving for outpatient appointments, especially those from east Hillsborough and Polk counties, would find some relief if the U.S. Senate follows the House and provides funding to lease a 50,000-square-foot building in Brandon.
Congressman Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, shepherded the $4.3 million appropriation, which would be available in 2009. The new clinic would serve as an extension of Haley and serve more than 10,000 veterans annually.
A smaller clinic is expected to open this fall near the Hillsborough-Polk county line.
Only California has more veterans than Florida, and Haley posted more than 1 million outpatient visits last year. With more than 100,000 veterans living in Hillsborough County and nearly 56,000 living in Polk, trips to VA clinics for blood work, X-rays and other outpatient procedures are expected to increase 25 percent in the next two decades.
Veterans shouldn't have to battle for appointments. It's good to see our congressional delegation doing its part to relieve the congestion.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jun/11/na-new-va-clinic-would-make-a-difference/
The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 11, 2008
The James A. Haley VA Hospital & Clinics is the busiest of the nation's 164 Veterans Administration hospitals and the fifth most complex in terms of medical care provided.
Yet employees and veterans face a space crunch. Often near-skirmishes occur in the parking lot. There simply isn't enough room.
Veterans arriving for outpatient appointments, especially those from east Hillsborough and Polk counties, would find some relief if the U.S. Senate follows the House and provides funding to lease a 50,000-square-foot building in Brandon.
Congressman Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, shepherded the $4.3 million appropriation, which would be available in 2009. The new clinic would serve as an extension of Haley and serve more than 10,000 veterans annually.
A smaller clinic is expected to open this fall near the Hillsborough-Polk county line.
Only California has more veterans than Florida, and Haley posted more than 1 million outpatient visits last year. With more than 100,000 veterans living in Hillsborough County and nearly 56,000 living in Polk, trips to VA clinics for blood work, X-rays and other outpatient procedures are expected to increase 25 percent in the next two decades.
Veterans shouldn't have to battle for appointments. It's good to see our congressional delegation doing its part to relieve the congestion.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jun/11/na-new-va-clinic-would-make-a-difference/
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