A new outpatient clinic for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will soon open in Virginia Beach, following the signing of a lease worth $355.7 million. The Veterans Health Administration announced the lease on December 19, 2023, securing a location at the northeast corner of Northampton Boulevard and Premium Outlets Boulevard. The plan aims to enhance healthcare access for the growing veteran population in the region.
In a joint statement, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner expressed their enthusiasm about the clinic, emphasizing its importance in providing high-quality care. “The veteran population in the region continues to grow, and this facility will fill a critical gap,” they stated. The lease encompasses 182,230 square feet of medical space along with 1,250 parking spaces, indicating a significant investment in veteran healthcare infrastructure.
The contract for the clinic was awarded to Molasky Development, a company based in Nevada. This facility was initially authorized in 2022 as part of the PACT Act, which expanded health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxins. However, due to updated cost estimates and rent bids, government agencies sought reauthorization from four congressional committees this year.
The announcement comes as the senators also voiced their opposition to a plan from former President Donald Trump’s administration, which proposed cutting up to 35,000 VA positions nationwide. The VA has already reduced its workforce by 30,000 positions this year through buyout offers and attrition, leading to concerns about the impact on service delivery.
According to the VA, these staffing reductions aim to decrease bureaucracy and enhance efficiency. Furthermore, the department plans to reorganize the management structure of the Veterans Health Administration to streamline operations. “The current VHA leadership structure is riddled with redundancies that slow decision making,” stated VA Secretary Doug Collins. He emphasized the need for clearer authority to improve operational effectiveness.
Despite the establishment of the new clinic, staffing shortages remain a challenge for the Hampton VA hospital. A recent report from the Office of the Inspector General highlighted ongoing difficulties in filling positions. For example, the North Battlefield Outpatient Clinic, which opened in April, was not expected to achieve its target staffing level of 540 employees until January 2024, raising concerns about the clinic’s operational capacity.
As the VA continues to navigate these staffing challenges and infrastructure developments, the new Virginia Beach clinic represents a crucial step in ensuring that veterans receive the quality healthcare they deserve. The commitment to expanding services for those who have served the country remains a priority, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance veteran support across the region.
