Veterans Secretary says Hampton whistleblowers needn’t fear, raises awareness for vets in crisis

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough made his first visit to the Hampton VA Medical Center Thursday since investigations by the Office of the Inspector General and the House Armed Services Committee found systemic problems that led to an overhaul of senior leadership at the hospital.

The findings revealed major shortcomings, especially in surgery, and the chief of surgery was reassigned. But it also revealed staff members’ fear of coming forward to report problems.

“We want their professional expert opinion,” McDonough told reporters, saying he has heard from the care teams at Hampton. They told him they’re concerned about the culture.

10 On Your Side asked McDonough if staff can offer those opinions without fear of retribution.

“Not only can they, but we expect them to,” McDonough said. “And if there’s any sense that our people can’t speak their minds, we won’t tolerate that.”

The new executive director, Walt Dannenberg, is in that role in an acting capacity, and McDonough said he had no updates on who will get the post on a permanent basis.

On suicide, McDonough said the VA encourages those in crisis to reach out, and his department has learned lessons from the cluster of suicides connected to the crew of USS George Washington in 2022.

“On individual experiences like the George Washington, we know is that there is never one cause of suicide,” he said.

The Hampton VA Medical Center hosted a wellness fair during McDonough’s visit, showcasing the various support resources that are out there. He says the easiest of those resources to use is reaching the Suicide Hotline by dialing 988.

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