Jackson VA Officials Promise Ongoing Audits

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The director of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center says while he’s pleased what VA audit had to say about his facility, the Jackson hospital will continue routine checks on patient care.

The Department of Veterans Affairs found in audit results released Monday patients seeking care through the Jackson medical center waited an average of 45 days for their first appointment with a primary care doctor. The audit found 97 percent of appointments were scheduled in under 30 days.

Jackson VA director Joe Battle says a shortage of doctors has contributed to scheduling delays. He says recruiting doctors is a challenge.

Battle spoke at news conference Thursday in Jackson.

The audit found the average wait time for new patients at the Gulfport VA was about 48 days.