DUBLIN, Va. — The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center introduced their new director David Whitmer to veterans through a town hall meeting Tuesday. More than 50 veterans packed the auditorium to hear Whitmer's plan to fix the Dublin VA and talk about their own concerns.
Tuesday, medical director Whitmer spent his second day laying out his blueprint for the Dublin VA. "I will set aside time during the week to meet with veterans," Whitmer said.
Whitmer comes to town with 25 years of medical experience plus the Veterans Administration plan called the Mission Act to get the Dublin hospital back on track.
"Signing of the president to pass the Mission act, to provide additional resources for the VA, to make sure what we take care of our veterans," Whitmer said.
The MISSION Act would allow the Dublin VA to outsource medical care to private doctors hopefully meaning vets could be seen faster by a doctor.
"With competition, we have the opportunity, one internally, to get better," Whitmer said.
Whitmer says he plans to cut down on paperwork at the VA, improve customer service, and mental health care. "I wanted to make sure I reserve the balance of our time to hear from you," Whitmer said.
One by one, veterans like Alphonzo Davis took the microphone.
"You wonder if they are doing the best they can do, and how are they qualified to do the job they are supposed to do?" Davis said. Whitmer replied, "We are hiring staff to make sure we have the right staff to actually help and set those appointments, and not to outsource that customer service opportunity for our veterans."
Whitmer addressed vets' personal concerns and mental health issues, saying he wants to keep one goal in mind.
"I hope to be able to engage our staff and they make sure they are aligned with our mission and can deliver outstanding health care to our veterans," Whitmer said.
He says it will take the Dublin VA time to regain the public's trust, but that it's a mission he is ready for.
"There is general confidence in what the VA can do, but we always have to learn, and listen, and evolve to do better work on behalf of veterans," Whitmer said.
Whitmer says he has spent the past couple of days talking and meeting with veterans to learn how they can improve healthcare for veterans.