DENVER - The interim director of the Denver VA Hospital is striking a different tone than her predecessor when it comes to whistleblowers inside the agency.
Carolyn L. Adams, who started earlier this month, spoke exclusively to 9Wants to Know Monday.
Adams vows to take immediate action against anyone who retaliates against whistleblowers, saying she would apply the maximum allowable punishment under VA policies.
Adams expressed her desire to hear directly from employees and patients if they have concerns or problems with what's happening inside the VA.
"I believe the employees do feel free to speak up," Adams said. "[Deputy VA] Secretary Gibson was here and had a town hall meeting. Several employees did stand up and indicated concerns they had, and we are following up on those concerns right now."
Adams plans more employee town hall meetings and lunches with clinic workers to solicit feedback. She also told 9Wants to Know that whistleblowers have "freedom of speech," and they are not banned from speaking to the media.
Her tone is distinctly different from former VA Director Lynette Roff. Roff warned a group of employees about whistleblowing in January, one day after 9Wants to Know aired an interview about a secret patient waiting list, which was provided by a former VA employee.
"Once you talk to the media, you are on your own," Roff said. "The VA does not support you. And then, once you are in hot water, nobody will help you."
Roff announced her retirement just days after making those statements.
Adams plans to be a short-timer at the Denver VA. She says she came out of retirement to fill in until a permanent director can be found. During that time, Adams says she wants to make sure veterans care comes first and she wants to hire more health care workers.
When asked about low employee morale, Adams said, "We are seeing as many veterans as we can each day in an very confined area, so that doesn't lend itself to feeling positive, but I do believe that as we go to the new hospital as we move and enlarge our clinics, it will be a much, much better environment."
9Wants to Know also asked Adams about perceptions that the VA is overmedicating veterans with mental health issues, her answers will be part of our expanded look the quality of VA health care next week. You can weigh in by emailing 9Wants to Know at BlowTheWhistle@9NEWS.com.
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