Blumenthal pledges to seek funding in wake of explosion at VA hospital

In the wake of the explosion Friday at the West Haven Veteran’s Affairs medical center, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, DConn., said he will push for federal funding to address aging VA facilities nationwide.

“I will urge a major commitment and investment” toward aging VA facilities, Blumenthal, who for years has advocated to address issues at the West Haven hospital, said Monday. “But obviously this one [in West Haven] will be at the very top of the list.”

The senator did not yet have in mind a specific piece of upcoming legislation through which to address the problem. Appropriate action, he said, could come through the authorization of VA funding, or it could be included in the appropriations bill or another piece of legislation,

“It could simply be that the VA administratively would take action,” he said.

The explosion, which occurred during the replacement of a steam pipe, killed two people and injured three others. The victims have not been identified.

Through an aide, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., also indicated he supports investments to address infrastructure deficiencies at VA facilities.

“Sen. Murphy continues to push for robust funding as a member of the Senate Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee to fix the chronically aging infrastructure at the VA,” according to the senate aide.

Fire Chief James O’Brien confirmed Monday the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Messages seeking updates on the status of the investigation were left with police officials in West Haven.

The building, which dates back to the 1950s, has a history of issues. Blumenthal last year ordered an inspection of the hospital after receiving whistleblower complaints.

The report identified deficiencies in sterile processing services, noting that during a ninemonth period between 2018 and 2019, almost 2,000 patients were outsourced due to SPS deficiencies and operating room closures.

Structural issues, such as problems with ceiling tiles, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning as well as “delays in retrofitting a trailer to reprocess sterile instruments,” accounted for some of the sterilization challenges, per the report.

After a sprinkler was dislodged from the ceiling of one of the hospital’s operating rooms, no procedures were performed in that room for around two months, the report indicated.

Blumenthal has continued to received complaints about the building over the past year, he said Monday.

“This tragedy involving a dedicated Navy veteran and VA worker ought to be a clear wakeup call for VA headquarters,” he said. “I’ve been pressing the Trump administration officials for this investment.”

A Biden administration would provide “a golden opportunity,” said Blumenthal, adding that he plans to be like “a battering ram” in terms of pushing for that investment.

Just like the problems with the West Haven building, Blumenthal’s determination is not new.

“The defects and deficiencies in the structure of this facility have been well-known and documented and I have very pugnaciously pressed the VA to put this facility at the top of capital commitments,” Blumenthal said.

The senator also acknowledged that the cause of the explosion was not yet determined.

“The investigation will show whether there is direct causation, but the age of the facility certainly didn’t help and may well have contributed,” he said.

Blumenthal also stressed that however he criticizes the building, its problems have nothing to do with staff members.

“[They] are doing extraordinarily excellent professional work and care despite the challenges of this aged and aging building. You know, they are providing first-class care to our veterans which is exactly what they deserve.”