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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
Column/LTE
Veterans deserve best care possible
To the Editor:
The news that three veterans living at the Minneapolis Veterans Home have died as the result of errors has caused shock and sorrow among Minnesotans. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of these three men, and we share their sadness and grief.
For over thirty years, I have worked in the health care industry, with many of those years spent caring for the elderly. And, as the daughter, wife and mother of military men, I have always been a strong supporter of our military personnel and believe they deserve the best medical care available.
Yesterday, I led a group of legislators to the Veterans Home to see for ourselves the conditions in which our loved ones are being cared for. We found many caring and extremely capable staff members who are doing an excellent job caring for their patients. It is important, however, to look deeper so we can understand what underlying issues may be at play that could lead to these tragic deaths.
Governor Pawlenty's decision to have the Health Department take over daily operating oversight for the short term will allow for a complete investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. When the report is concluded and the findings made public, we will have better information that will enable us to take steps to ensure a tragedy of this nature never happens again. Recommendations to hire a long-term care consultant, bringing expertise to the Veteran's Home Board, and establishing a commission charged with governance and oversight are also steps in the right direction. Legislative hearings to determine the full scope of the problems will yield further recommendations.
The State Legislature will work cooperatively with Governor Pawlenty to make needed changes. We all want to correct current problems and make sure the home is operating properly to give the highest standards of care to our service men and women.
At all times, but particularly in a time of war, we should be especially mindful of our obligation to those we are sending into harms way. The service that these men and women have given our country represents a great sacrifice. We owe them the best care possible, when they are called into battle, when they return home and when they retire.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Patti Fritz
State Representative
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