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Aug 27, 8:11 PM EDT


VA investigator says oversight lacking in $70M program to replace hospital appointment system

By KIMBERLY HEFLING
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Managers at the Veterans Affairs Department were aware of serious problems with a $70 million project to replace its hospital appointment system several years before the VA dropped the program, the agency's inspector general says in a new report.

The VA announced the project in 2000 following complaints from veterans about long waits to make appointments. It was halted this year.

The inspector general said in the report dated Wednesday that managers didn't take timely and appropriate action to address problems, even as millions more were put into the program.

VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, who was confirmed in January, has ordered improvements in the VA's information technology management. But the IG says that the VA still needs more qualified staff.

Katie Roberts, a VA spokeswoman, said the agency looks forward to working with the IG to make additional improvements.

Last week, the IG said it determined that thousands of technology office employees at the VA received $24 million in bonuses in 2007 and 2008, some under questionable circumstances. It also detailed other abuses ranging from nepotism to an inappropriate relationship between two VA employees.

The recent investigation was requested by Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., the ranking Republican on the Senate Veterans' Affairs committee.


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END of Associated Press Release