Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 28, 1992 TAG: 9203280221
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
"Certainly, it is reasonable to conclude that they should be able to account for their patients," Director Rick O'Dell said. "Part of providing patient care is to reasonably account for patients."
O'Dell said his office has not been involved in what has been viewed as a labor-management dispute between Salem VA administrators and the American Federation of Government Employees union.
O'Dell's office has no formal ties to the federal agency that runs the center. "But we are watching very closely all of the problems that have been going on and how they impact on patient care," he said.
The union charged that the move into a new $55 million clinical addition - designed to consolidate acute medical and surgical beds into one facility - was mismanaged, creating stress among employees that has affected patient care.
VA officials link the stress to move-related changes.
Ron Zoll, district commander designate for the American Legion, said Friday that he was saddened "that things have reached this point."
"The VA should have stepped in a long time ago and not let it go on this far," said Zoll, of Troutville. He said he thought VA officials should have consulted the veterans service organizations.
by CNB