Chesapeake, Virginia – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in Chesapeake, which opened last April, continues to grapple with significant staffing shortages, impacting its ability to fully meet the healthcare needs of local veterans. Despite efforts to recruit additional personnel, approximately 200 positions remain unfilled, representing roughly 37% of the clinic’s total capacity.
The opening of the clinic, located off Battlefield Boulevard, was initially met with optimism as a means to improve access to care for veterans in Southside Hampton Roads, reducing the need to travel to the Hampton VA Medical Center. However, concerns about adequate staffing levels were immediately raised by local lawmakers. At the time of opening, the clinic was operating with approximately 150 employees, far short of the projected 550 needed for full operation.
Currently, the facility has 335 employees, according to VA Secretary Doug Collins, who addressed the issue during a recent Congressional hearing. While the clinic is providing core services, the ongoing vacancies are hindering its ability to expand offerings and potentially impacting wait times for appointments. Secretary Collins stated that the VA is actively recruiting for 166 of the open positions.
During the hearing, Congressman Bobby Scott and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans pressed Secretary Collins for details on the ongoing staffing challenges and the specific steps being taken to address them. Congressman Scott has also sent a letter to Secretary Collins requesting further information regarding recruitment efforts.
Secretary Collins acknowledged the difficulties in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, citing a broader provider shortage across the country. He also noted that the VA often faces challenges in competing with the salaries offered by private sector healthcare organizations. “That facility is now doing every service they’re provided to do. They’re doing the service and we will ramp up the amount of service as we are able to hire and get away from other facilities to hire these people. It’s doing what it’s supposed to be doing. Here’s where we’re at,” Collins said.
The initial goal, as previously stated by Secretary Collins, was to have the clinic fully staffed by January . That timeline appears unlikely to be met, given the current vacancy rate. The VA is continuing its recruitment efforts, but the timeframe for reaching full staffing levels remains uncertain.
The staffing situation at the Chesapeake clinic reflects a broader challenge facing the VA system nationwide. Attracting qualified healthcare professionals to work within the VA can be difficult due to factors such as bureaucratic processes, salary limitations, and competition from private hospitals, and clinics. These challenges are particularly acute in specialized areas, such as mental health, where demand for services is high.
The Chesapeake clinic currently offers primary care and mental health services, with plans to expand its offerings as staffing levels improve. The ability to provide a comprehensive range of services, including specialized care, is directly dependent on filling the remaining vacancies. Veterans relying on the clinic for their healthcare needs are encouraged to stay informed about service availability and potential wait times.
The ongoing situation highlights the importance of continued oversight and advocacy from lawmakers like Congressman Scott and Congresswoman Kiggans to ensure that the VA is adequately resourced and equipped to provide high-quality care to the veteran community. Addressing the staffing shortages will be crucial to realizing the full potential of the new Chesapeake clinic and fulfilling the VA’s commitment to serving those who have served our country.
While the clinic is operational and providing services, the reduced staffing levels may impact the overall patient experience. Veterans may experience longer wait times for appointments, limited availability of certain services, or increased workloads for existing staff. The VA is working to mitigate these impacts, but the situation underscores the critical need for a robust and sustained recruitment effort.
