VFW cautiously backs VA realignment. . - Veterans Admin. hospitals

VFW Magazine, August, 2002 by Tim Dyhouse

As VA plans a major overhaul of its health care facilities, VFW will help, up to a point.

"VFW stands ready to work with VA, but we insist such things as veterans inpatient and acute care needs, as well as special services for traumatic injuries, not suffer as a result" said VFW Commander-in-Chief James Goldsmith.

The overhaul, known as the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES), is designed to emphasize outpatient treatment over traditional hospital care. It should be completed within two years, including 18 months of collecting data on facilities and briefings, which VA promises will include veterans.

Once completed, a commission (to be selected this fall) will provide recommendations for each of VA's 21 VISNs (Veterans Integrated Service Networks). The VA secretary will then announce his decision on the recommendations in September 2003.