Female veterans still lack privacy at VA - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times

Female veterans still lack privacy at VA

Veterans Affairs Department officials are promising to improve privacy for female veterans who use its medical facilities after a new report discovered that some old problems have not been fixed.

A March 31 report from the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, found women using VA hospitals and clinics continue to face:

• Examination rooms set up so that passersby can see patients disrobed when the door is opened.

• Restrooms that lack sanitary napkin or tampon dispensers.

• A lack of privacy at appointment and reception desks, so that others can overhear discussion of medical problems.

Investigators reviewed nine medical centers and 10 outpatient clinics; none fully complied with VA policy on privacy, the report says.

While acknowledging that things are better than when GAO released a similar survey last year, the new report to Congress suggests that medical facilities need additional pressure to address problems that can discourage female veterans from getting care.

In a written response to the report, VA officials agree that more must be done and say they are prepared to have regional inspection teams visit hospitals and clinics to independently assess compliance, because the current self-reporting may not be sufficient.

VA officials also said they continue to work on new design and construction standards to provide more privacy for women.

Investigators found that outpatient clinics did better than medical centers in providing privacy, with fewer exam rooms facing public waiting rooms or high-traffic corridors. But some outpatient clinics lacked privacy curtains in exam rooms and had exam tables with the foot of the tables facing the door, the report says.

In addition to privacy concerns, the report also recommends that more mental health professionals receive training in treatment of sexual trauma, and that the roles of female veterans program managers be clarified so that recommendations of employees who are supposed to be making sure women’s needs are met receive more attention from senior facility managers.