A new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic is set to enhance healthcare access in Virginia Beach, following the signing of a lease valued at $355.7 million. The Veterans Health Administration announced this development on December 19, 2023, with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner highlighting the importance of this facility for the growing veteran population in the region.
“This facility will fill a critical gap by expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the veterans who have served our country,” stated the senators in their announcement. The clinic will occupy 182,230 square feet and include 1,250 parking spaces. The contract has been awarded to the Nevada-based company Molasky Development.
Facility Authorization and Funding Challenges
Originally authorized in 2022 as part of the PACT Act, which aims to improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, the clinic faced challenges with updated cost estimates and rent bids. As a result, government agencies sought reauthorization from four congressional committees earlier this year.
The senators also voiced their concerns regarding a plan initiated by former President Donald Trump’s administration that proposed cutting up to 35,000 VA positions across the country. This year, the VA has already reduced staffing by 30,000 positions through buyouts and attrition, which the department claims has streamlined operations and improved efficiency.
Management Reorganization and Staffing Shortages
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, the VA plans to reorganize the management structure of the Veterans Health Administration. According to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the existing leadership structure is burdened with redundancies that hinder decision-making. “When everyone’s in charge of everything, no one’s in charge of anything,” Collins commented in a recent announcement.
The Hampton VA hospital, like many facilities, is grappling with staffing shortages. A recent report from the Office of the Inspector General highlighted these challenges. A new outpatient clinic in Chesapeake, which opened in April, has not yet reached its full staffing capacity. A VA spokesperson indicated that the North Battlefield Outpatient Clinic aims to have 540 employees by January, although it remains uncertain whether hiring efforts are on track to meet this goal.
The establishment of the new outpatient clinic in Virginia Beach is a significant step in addressing the healthcare needs of veterans in the area. As the region’s veteran population continues to grow, the facility is expected to play a crucial role in providing accessible and quality care for those who have served.
