VA launches probe into allegations of misconduct at Cincinnati VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a formal probe into allegations of “misconduct that adversely affects the care of the veterans at the Cincinnati” VA, Fox News learned late Friday.
The VA began a series of what were described to Fox News as “cryptic” phone calls to Congressional offices, advising them of a form inquiry by the VA Inspector General.
Multiple offices in the Ohio and Indiana delegations received the calls around 5 p.m. Friday, Fox News was told. The calls were scripted and the person from the VA phoning the offices would not deviate nor answer questions about the inquiry. They also didn’t ask for nor express willingness to speak to Congressional aides who handle veterans’ issues for lawmakers.
Several sources indicated that the caller from the VA became “nervous” or “elusive” when pressed about the investigation.
The script went like this:
“As the investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Medical Inspector (OIG) continues, the VA Office of Inspector General is launching an investigation at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (VAMC). The OIG investigation was initiated at the request of the VA. To ensure no conflict of interest during the investigation, the Cincinnati VMAC will be temporarily realigned from the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 10 office in Cincinnati, OH to VISN 4 in Pittsburgh, PA.”
Dr. David Shuklin, the VA’s Under Secretary for Health, has asked the Inspector General to probe the still-vague matter.
An email obtained by Fox News says Jack Hetrick, the director of the VA Network covering Cincinnati, “has rescued himself form any and all decisions regarding the facility since his wife has a professional and personal relationship with the physician involved.”
Several Congressional offices told Fox News they are livid about when and how they were notified: Scripted, mysterious calls to Congressional receptionists moments before the close of business on a Friday before the holiday weekend.
“The VA is obviously trying to bury this given the timing of the announcement, said one Congressional source.