Kirk renews call for investigation, changes at Hines VA Hospital

BY TINA SFONDELES Staff Reporter July 25, 2014 1:55PM

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) held a press conference Friday morning in the Loop to criticize delays at Edward Hines, Jr., Veterans Administration Hospital. | Ashlee Rezin/for Sun-Times Media

storyidforme: 69617856 tmspicid: 24659167 fileheaderid: 11902302

Updated: July 26, 2014 2:07AM

Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., met Friday with a White House official to call for removing upper management at Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital, which he said would create a culture of accountability for the embattled facility.

Kirk also met with Hines director Joan Ricard, whom he has repeatedly recommended be removed.

He again called for her termination, adding I suggested to her that she get a criminal lawyer to defend her against the upcoming FBI investigation Im going to recommend.

The Illinois senator met with Deputy White House Chief of Staff Rob Nabors to address a plethora of issues at Hines, including long wait times for veterans, and even an alleged mold problem. Kirks staff issued photos of what they said was mold discovered in a newly renovated area of the hospital.

Kirk first met with Nabors and hospital whistleblowers, including Germaine Clarno, a Hines social worker who is local president of a union representing hospital employees. He then met with Nabors, Hines representatives, including Ricard, as well as Sen. Dick Durbin and congressional officials.

Kirk suggested the hospital take on a Navy culture:

Read the original:
Kirk renews call for investigation, changes at Hines VA Hospital