THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

WASHINGTON
April 13, 2018

The Honorable Elizabeth Warren

United States Senate
Washington . DC 20510

Dear Senator Warren :

Thank you for your March 2. 2018, letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) concern ing recent reports of systemic failures of care at the Northampton ,
Massachusetts VA Medical Center. I am responding on behalf of the Department.

The alleged reports of systemic failures are linked to allegations made by a

former employee and are at the center of an ongoing whistleblower investigation being
conducted by the VA Office of Accountab ili ty and Wh istleblower Protection (OAWP).
VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System leadership has been fully
cooperative in the investigation.

VA OAWP takes the necessary tune needed in every case it investigates: and
equally, the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System allows due process
to take place before arriving at any conclusions. Once the investigation is completed ,
VA will promptly brief you on the outcome.

Thank you for your continued support of our Nation's Veterans. Should you have
additional questions or concerns, please have a member of your staff contact
Mr. Tim Embree, Congressional Relations Officer, at (202) 224 -7224 or by email at
Timothy. Embree@va.gov.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Wi lkie
Acting