Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo VA Medical Director and Chief of Staff have been removed from their positions over concerns regarding the treatment of local veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirms an investigation is underway.
Medical Director Michael J. Swartz and Chief of Staff Dr. Philippe Jaoude have been reassigned pending the results of the investigation. Shawn De Fries, associate director of VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, has been named Acting Medical Center Director.
According to VA.gov, Swartz was appointed as the Director of VA Western New York Healthcare System in 2018. Dr. Jaoude joined VA Western New York Healthcare System as the Chief of Staff in 2021.
Congressman Nick Langworthy is calling for "immediate action and transparency" from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs following what he calls "alarming reports of potential mismanagement" at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. Langworthy sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough expressing his concerns.
"The Buffalo VA's administrative failures have left veterans battling cancer—heroes who risked everything for this country—waiting far too long for the care they need," said Congressman Langworthy.
"This situation is unacceptable, and we owe it to our veterans to get to the bottom of it. It is imperative that the VA conducts a thorough and transparent review of this matter, cooperates fully with the Committee's investigation, and takes immediate corrective action where necessary.
"I will closely monitor the situation and continue to press for accountability to guarantee that no veteran's health is compromised due to administrative failures," Langworthy said. "I strongly encourage the VA to cooperate with the committee's request for information and any follow-up investigation the committee may pursue."
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Terrence Hayes released a statement Tuesday night:
"Upon learning of concerns raised by clinicians about local leadership and instances of delayed care, VA immediately transferred the Medical Center Director and the Chief of Staff out of clinical- and Veteran-facing positions pending the results of an investigation.
"Providing Veterans with the world-class care they deserve when and where they need it is our top priority, and VA has taken immediate steps to ensure the health care needs of Veterans are being met.
"VA is committed to providing Veterans timely, quality health care – we will never settle for anything less, and we will continue to hold our employees accountable to the highest standards of care and services. Because the investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further at this time.
"We proactively informed Congress of this matter, and we will continue to keep Congress – and local Veterans – apprised on this issue every step of the way."