PLAINS TOWNSHIP -- Doctors and administrators at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre heard compliments and some criticism from patients at a town hall meeting on Monday.
Air Force veteran Mike Maestri told Newswatch 16 that he’s grateful for his doctors and nurses, but he believes that they need more help.
"It's common knowledge that the staffing is not what it should be," said Maestri. "I think generally it's a pretty good hospital, I think it was acknowledged today that there is room for improvement."
VA spokesman Jason Cave told Newswatch 16 that these types of meetings have been mandated across the country, following allegations of delayed appointments that led to deaths in Arizona.
"This is part of the secretary’s initiative to rebuild trust with the veterans and to basically get increased feedback and input from veterans," said Cave.
Other complaints included veterans receiving too much or too little in travel reimbursements, as well as healthcare workers being distracted.
Veterans or family members who would like to offer their feedback to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre can click here.