Director outlines plan to improve aging Northport VA

<p>The director of the problem-plagued Northport VA Medical Center on Monday outlined a multiyear, multimillion-dollar plan to improve the aging facility.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 23, 2018, 8:54 PM

Updated 2,201 days ago

Share:

The director of the problem-plagued Northport VA Medical Center on Monday outlined a multiyear, multimillion-dollar plan to improve the aging facility.
The veterans hospital has come under fire for broken medical equipment, under-staffing, dirty facilities and other hazards. Some veterans say the property's dilapidated buildings sometimes reflect the care that the facility is able to offer.
Director Scott Guermonprez says he's spearheading a plan to improve the center.
"The facilities here are more than 91 years old in some cases, and 30 years older than the average VA. And so we acknowledge the fact that we have issues that need to be addressed," Guermonprez says. "And we are addressing them as rapidly as possible."
The plan comes on the heels of an internal employee survey, which was leaked to Newsday. It showed that many staff members are upset that poor conditions at the medical center are affecting patient care.
Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi got an up-close look at some of the problems like mold and leaky ceilings on Monday. He says the hospital needs to improve, and says he'll work in Washington to secure more funds to get it back on track.
"We need to get that reputation back and I think under this leadership and pushing from the outside, working together, we are going to make this place be great again," says Suozzi.
The VA hopes to knock down two of the property's oldest and most dilapidated buildings by the fall.


More from News 12
2:12
Stony Brook University professor arrested during protest speaks exclusively with News 12

Stony Brook University professor arrested during protest speaks exclusively with News 12

2:31
Cooldown with sun for Friday; chances for wet weather for part of weekend

Cooldown with sun for Friday; chances for wet weather for part of weekend

2:32
Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

1:53
Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:29
Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

0:44
Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

1:03
Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

0:22
Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

0:23
3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:54
Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

Find the perfect dining spot on the Nautical Mile in Freeport

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments