Ricard Oversaw Corruption, Mismanagement and Mistreatment of Illinois Veterans; Kirk Met with Whistleblowers and Veterans From Hines in May; Called for Ricard’s Firing
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–October 7, 2014. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the Hines VA Hospital Director, Joan Ricard, announced that she will be stepping down at the end of the month following months of scrutiny and calls for her dismissal:
“Since learning in May that Joan Ricard oversaw secret waiting lists for veterans at Hines VA Hospital, in exchange for $16.6 million in bonus payments, I have called for her dismissal. I have personally met with patients and whistleblowers at Hines with boxes of evidence that convince me she and others at Hines are personally responsible for bringing harm, not care, to our veterans. Her removal is overdue, and following her resignation her federal pension payments, estimated to be $120,000 a year, should be blocked. Partnerships between the VA and DoD, as done at Lovell VA Hospital, is a model for Hines to reassure veterans’ confidence.”
Source: kirk.senate.gov
