Senator Hassan Emphasizes Need for Full-Service VA Hospital & Infrastructure Improvements to the Manchester VA Medical Center During Committee Hearing

June 09, 2021

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan today emphasized the need to get a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire and make long-term improvements to the Manchester VA Medical Center during a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing.

To watch Senator Hassan's questioning, click here.

'New Hampshire is one of three states - along with Alaska and Hawaii - that lacks a full-service VA hospital - something I've been pushing to change for years. Because we don't have a single full-service facility, many Granite State veterans receive care in a patchwork manner - at clinics, through contractors, and across state lines,' Senator Hassan said.

Senator Hassan went on to discuss how not having a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire presents challenges in the state, including, 'different kinds of pressures on the other health care providers and different kinds of needs for the veterans.'

The Senator also pressed VA official Brett Simms on the need to make lasting changes to aging VA facilities, including at the Manchester VA Medical Center.

'The current VA Medical Center building in Manchester is 70 years old - and it shows,' Senator Hassan said. 'Just a few years ago, the building had a major fly infestation that led to canceled procedures, and the VA has spent tens of thousands of dollars on exterminators to help address the problem. Our veterans shouldn't have to wait for insect infestations to clear up in order to get the care that they need.'

Simms replied that the VA is looking at potential infrastructure investments at VA facilities, including at the Manchester VA Medical Center.

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