Scripps-WCPO investigation reveals Cincinnati VA in state of disarray

News provided by

Feb 17, 2016, 08:52 ET

CINCINNATI, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A four-month joint investigation by the Scripps Washington Bureau and WCPO in Cincinnati has uncovered inappropriate conduct and conflicts of interest involving high-ranking officials at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cincinnati, right in the backyard of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald, the former chief executive of Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble Co.

The bureau team and WCPO pored over numerous documents and heard from dozens of whistleblowers who came forward to our reporters to say the Cincinnati VA is in a state of disorder.

The investigation finds that the VA's pattern of cost cutting forced out experienced surgeons, reduced access to care and put patients in harm's way. At the center of the turmoil are two VA leaders with a work relationship that dates back more than a decade. The investigation also reveals evidence of one of those leaders prescribing medication, including controlled substances, to her regional boss' wife. The physician does not have a valid license to prescribe controlled substances privately.

The findings of the joint Scripps–WCPO probe have already triggered two federal investigations and prompted VA headquarters to remove oversight of the Cincinnati hospital from the top regional VA official.

"Our team's thorough reporting brought these very serious issues to light and has now caught the attention of federal authorities," said Ellen Weiss, chief of Scripps Washington Bureau. "This story represents the important work our journalists do in holding public officials accountable for acting in the public interest."

The full story is available now on WCPO.com. It also aired on WCPO Channel 9 and is available across Scripps TV stations and their digital platforms.

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. Scripps is one of the nation's largest independent TV station owners, with 33 television stations in 24 markets and a reach of nearly one in five U.S. households. It also owns 34 radio stations in eight markets. Scripps also runs an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses, including podcast industry leader Midroll Media and over-the-top video news service Newsy. Scripps also produces television shows including THE LIST and The Now, runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serves as the long-time steward of the nation's largest, most successful and longest-running educational program, the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, "Give light and the people will find their own way."

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company