Heating problems prompted officials to relocate more than 30 homeless veterans from the shelter at Northport's VA Hospital.

The heating system failed earlier this month -- during a record-breaking cold snap.

For the 33 veterans transferred elsewhere, some worry the relocation could complicate their access to medical checkups and mental health treatment at the VA.

Officials say the vets have been placed in shelters with the same nonprofit that ran the one at the hospital, so the quality of their care will not change. And they say they arranged transportation for treatment in advance.

The aging Northport VA Hospital faces a number of other problems, too. Many of the buildings are 90 years old and have had rotting rooftops and black mold.

According to the VA, a new heating system will not be installed until mid-August. It's expected to cost just over $1 million.