1st review wrapping up on budget-busting Denver-area VA hospital. So, what do you think they will find?

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 08:51:38 -0400

The half-finished medical center is now expected to cost up to $1.73 billion, almost triple the estimate the VA gave last year.

Construction is continuing under a series of short-term funding deals in Congress while the department negotiates with lawmakers for enough money to finish the facility.

The VA says it needs another $625 million for a scaled-back version of the medical center. Gibson said he still thinks the best solution is a 1 percent spending cut across the department in the next fiscal year. Veterans benefits wouldn't be affected.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/1st-review-wrapping-up-on-budget-busting-denver-area-va-hospital-1.355884

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jul 2 at 2015 8:53 AM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 08:53:50 -0400

They need more money, what else?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 9:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 09:46:50 -0400

It's good to see an outside agency doing the review. Every update that comes out shows them to be even deeper in cost overruns. We can't stop construction for fear of harming the veterans this facility is scheduled to serve. However, accountability has to be the second highest priority. That will be the challenge of Congress and the VA Secretary.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 10:08 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 10:08:24 -0400

"The over-spending was not mismanagement of funds, but an error in financial software computing..."

Sound about par for course?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 2 at 2015 10:50 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 10:50:47 -0400

That's a massive healthcare complex where they're building (on the grounds of the old Fitzsimons Army Medical Center). I'll be there next week visiting some interns. Tripling the estimate from just ONE year ago makes your head hurt. I have no earthly idea what could possibly run up the costs that much, just within a year.

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Jul 2 at 2015 11:03 AM

PO1 Mike Edgecomb — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 11:03:43 -0400

The VA is understaffed at the clinical level, and underfunded nationwide. How can Gibson say a 1% spending cut will not affect the Veterans? How about a 10% funding increase to start.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 2 at 2015 12:13 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 12:13:02 -0400

I just want the hospital finished and begin seeing patients!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 2:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 14:37:19 -0400

Sounds like someone should be able to find criminal negligence on the part of the people who were supposed to be managing the program.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 2:41 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:41:42 -0400

Just seems like a gross mismanagement on so many levels. I hope the hospital is open soon and takes good care of our veterans.