Poliquin raises grave concerns over Togus Inspector General’s Report

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General released their report on the VA Maine Healthcare System at Togus – “Mismanagement of Mental Health Consults and Other Access to Care Concerns.”

In the report, the Office of Inspector General found that the Togus was not following proper VA procedures put in place to ensure timely mental health visits and referrals.  As a result, Maine veterans who sought mental health services were often times slipping through the cracks and not getting the help that they needed.

“When I took a tour of Togus in February in anticipation of this report, I was assured, by executive staff members, that the Office of Inspector General would find no issues.

“Now, the Inspector General’s report is out and it’s troubling to learn that there are, indeed, issues.

“This report, clearly, shows that Togus has failed to give our veterans the proper healthcare they were promised, earned and deserve. Our veterans, and their families, answered the ultimate call of duty to protect this Great Nation and they deserve better than this.

“While I am thankful for the mental health providers working at Togus, this report raises more questions to be asked. Who was aware that Togus was not following proper protocols and why did they not fix it before the Office of Inspector General pointed it out? Are there any other mismanagements within Togus?

“I, and my staff, have been fully briefed on this report and I will be sure to monitor Togus’ quarterly check-up with the Office of Inspector General. I will continue to make sure our veterans receive the proper healthcare they were promised, earned and deserve.”