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VA Reaffirms Commitment to Inpatient Care at Poplar Bluff

December 21, 2006

WASHINGTON – “Meeting the health care needs of veterans is VA’s highest priority,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson in reaffirming VA's commitment to providing inpatient care at its medical center in Poplar Bluff.

“Veterans and their families can rest assured that VA’s Poplar Bluff facility will continue its current mission and maintain world-class inpatient services,” Nicholson added.

VA has also added cardiology services at the facility -- which will mean fewer patient referrals to other VA facilities.

The Secretary’s decision concludes a more than year-long review of the facility and follows the recommendation of a local advisory panel. The study considered the cost and quality of services available in the local community and rejected the idea of contracting services to local providers.

The study has been part of VA's Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program, a VA initiative to modernize facilities by matching projected demand for health services with programs and facilities through a comprehensive review of veterans' health care needs.

"I thank the veterans, community leaders and citizens from around Poplar Bluff, and the Missouri congressional delegation, who participated in this process. Their work with the local advisory panel, consultants and VA employees ensures we will maintain efficient, world-class care for veterans," Nicholson said.

VA's Poplar Bluff facility, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, is located on 30 acres on North Westwood Boulevard.

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Larry Scott