The director of the Veterans Affairs medical center in Phoenix testified before an Arizona Senate committee Wednesday. Glen Grippen updated lawmakers on the progress being made at the embattled facility.
Grippen began his presentation with a few numbers. In addition to a roughly 15- to 30-percent increase in the number of veterans seen for primary, specialty and mental-health care, the Phoenix VA has also hired 320 new staff since January.
The committee’s questions focused on access to care, especially for veterans who live in rural areas of the state. Several senators also questioned the director on what he planned to say to President Obama when he visits the facility on Friday, including Sen. Kelli Ward.
"The president skipped us the last time he was here. So, what do you plan to tell him to actually make an impact for the people we represent?" Ward asked.
Grippen said he plans to discuss the facility’s recent progress and the work that still needs to be done.
The Phoenix VA hospital was at the center of a nationwide scandal last year involving allegations of delays in care and fraudulent wait-time records.
