Va. veterans hospital corrects suicide risk lapses

HAMPTON, Va. (AP) — Officials at the Hampton VA Medical Center say they've corrected lapses in follow-up care for veterans at high risk of suicide.

The Virginian-Pilot (http://bit.ly/Zqxeq1 ) reports that a recent inspection found that the medical center didn't provide required follow-up care for four out of 10 high-risk veterans after they were discharged.

Medical center officials say other problems identified by inspectors also have been corrected. They included failing to refer some patients who screened positive for traumatic brain injury to a medical facility that offers a higher level of care for a comprehensive evaluation.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Inspector General conducted the periodic review.

___

Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com