VA To Hire Doctor For Outpatient Clinic In Calais - Nov. 05, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) says it intends to soon fill the vacant full-time doctor position at the VA's Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Calais.
The announcement came Monday from U.S. Senator Susan Collins' office.
The target start date for the new doctor is December 30, 2012.
In May, Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote to the Director of the VA New England Healthcare System to express her concern with the long delay in getting a new doctor.
"The veterans treated at CBOC-Calais have significant medical needs and deserve the consistent medical care that comes with seeing the same provider on a regular basis," wrote Senator Collins.
Following an August VA Inspector General report that echoed the need to hire a full-time physician at the clinic, Senator Collins again urged the VA to fill the post, "the report heightens my concern that extended gaps and inconsistent provider coverage undermines optimal care and is of great concern for the veterans of Eastern Maine and the community. I strongly urge the VA to take the necessary steps to ensure that this critical health care position is filled quickly."
