After the Department of Veterans Affairs' recent scandal involving long wait times and poor patient care, the government organization is under pressure to make staff adjustments.
According to CNN, the decision-making process of which major officials will be fired has already begun. In addition to the deputy chief procurement director, program directors in Alabama, Georgia and Pittsburgh face being cut. A new law that was signed by President Obama this summer gives firing power to the VA secretary, Robert McDonald.
Since these speculated firing announcements were made, two of these professionals have already retired, according to Military Times. While some point the finger at McDonald, he pointed out that he cannot force employees to remain in their positions simply so they can receive disciplinary action.
Moving forward toward a better VA, McDonald has already begun recruiting qualified staff members through a tour to medical schools and local hospitals across the nation. The organization is looking to take thousands of new employees on board to make up for the long wait times and lack of attention that led to the death and illness of many veterans seeking care in their life after service. Military Times reported that the organization has already decided upon a higher pay scale for both doctors and nurses in order to attract reliable and well-qualified candidates.