Reid hopes clinic’s problems can be fixed

Thursday, Feb. 18, 1999 | 2:53 a.m.

"We need cooperation from top to bottom in order to fully address the many needs of our growing veterans' community," Reid, D-Nev., said at a news conference. "In bringing together all those involved, I hope to open the lines of communication and find the quickest, most effective solution to providing top-notch care."

Veterans had complained for months about the style of management and availability of medical treatment at the A.D. Guy Ambulatory Care Center.

Reid asked the General Accounting Office to prepare a report on the center.

The GAO noted numerous problems at the clinic: a lack of specialty care and excessive waiting; no MRI - magnetic resonance imaging - or mammogram services; questionable human resources practices and a shortage of nurses.

"We have spent millions of dollars to build, staff and equip this facility with all the necessary tools," Reid said. "There is no reason that we should not provide our veterans with the highest possible level of care. The GAO's findings will serve as a blueprint for needed changes to improve the VA center."

Reid said the center has the potential to be among the best in the nation.

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