BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Director and Chief of Staff at the Buffalo VA Medical Center have been removed from their roles, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Michael Schwartz, Healthcare System Director of VA Western New York health care, and his Chief of Staff, Philippe Jaoude, were removed from their positions on Tuesday amid allegations from clinicians of delayed care, misconduct, and administrative failures.
VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes released a statement to 2 On Your Side, saying the two officers have immediately been transferred out of veteran-facing positions and that an investigation has been launched.
“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 healthcare needs of Veterans are being met,” the statement said. “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.”
The move follows a letter sent from Congressman Nick Langworthy just hours before to the VA, expressing concerns over reports that stated local veterans experienced significant delays in receiving critical cancer treatment.
Sources inside the Buffalo VA Medical Center said this isn’t a new problem, but one that has existed for three or four years and has left veterans calling upwards of five times a day without being contacted in return.
Langworthy said the House of Representatives is demanding corrective action and that the VA cooperates with any possible House investigation.
“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,” Langworthy said in a statement. “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.”
Congressman Tim Kennedy also weighed in on the allegations.
“It is unacceptable for veterans to receive delayed care due to administrative failures," he said.
"Our military veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country deserve only the best possible care and service. As a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am committed to providing oversight to ensure that these heroes receive the care they have earned and deserve. My Congressional colleagues and I will be monitoring the outcome of the investigation and taking appropriate action where needed.”