July 20, 2001

Garthwaite Makes CARES Recommendations for Chicago VISN

Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health Thomas L. Garthwaite, M.D., announced July 16 his recommendations for restructuring capital assets in VISN 12 as part of the VA Capital Assets Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program. The recommendations were selected from a list of nine options proposed by an outside consultant [see Washington Highlights, June 22].

Dr. Garthwaite selected Option B for the southern (Chicago-area) region of the network, which focuses on renovating the West Side and Hines VAMCs and discontinuing inpatient services at the Lakeside VAMC; Option G for the central (Southern and Central Wisconsin) region which would expand the Madison VAMC and slightly reduce the number of acute-care beds at the Milwaukee and Tomah VAMCs; and Option I for the northern (Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) region, which emphasizes use of the existing Iron Mountain VAMC and adds a new community-based outpatient clinic. The choices are expected to result in savings of $720 million over the next 20 years (which will be reinvested into care for veterans in the network), while enhancing access and quality of care.

Dr. Garthwaite's announcement initiates a formal 60-day comment period in which the VA will hold town meetings and solicit E-mail comments from stakeholders.

Information: Jonathan Fishburn, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525