Sen. Kirk wants Hines VA checked for secret waiting lists

WASHINGTON — Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., wants the Veterans Administration inspector general — probing allegations of deadly delays at Phoenix VA facilities — to broaden the probe to include Hines, the VA facility near Maywood.

Kirk said in a statement, ““I am concerned about credible reports of secret wait lists at Hines VA, similar to the lists used in Phoenix. Sharon Helman, the current Phoenix VA Director responsible for overseeing the secret wait lists and neglect of veterans’ care, was also the Director at Hines from February 2010 to February 2012. The Inspector General should immediately broaden its investigation to include Hines VA and to deliver a swift and immediate report.””