KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

McCain Calls For Closer Look At Conditions In VA Nursing Homes

Sen. John McCain is asking the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address reports of poor quality at VA nursing homes in Arizona.
 
McCain asked acting secretary Peter O’Rourke for more details after a report from the VA showed Northern and Southern Arizona Health Care Systems’ nursing homes received poor quality scores.
 
“In light of the shadow that continues to be cast on the Phoenix VA Medical Center . . . I find it troubling to learn of lapses in care that extend to other areas of the VA’s Arizona portfolio,” McCain wrote.
 
He called the findings abysmal, disappointing and unacceptable.
 
The senator flagged several issues for closer inspection, including the methods for data collection and the metrics used to rank facilities.
 
McCain asked the secretary for prompt answers before the problem areas turn into a “chronic lack of medical care for those who need it most.”

Jimmy Jenkins was a producer and senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2014 to 2021.