Kirk wants probe of Illinois veterans hospitals
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk wants federal investigators to look into operations at Hines Veterans Hospital outside Chicago to determine if the facility has a secret waiting list for treating patients.
An employee at Hines says the hospital has a secret list like that alleged to exist at a VA hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to allegations, the secret lists exist to conceal how long it really takes to get veterans the medical care they need.
Social worker Germaine Clarno says hospital employees have come to her with the allegations.
In a statement Wednesday, Hines Director Joan Ricard denied a secret list exists.
Kirk says he believes the reports of a waiting list at Hines are credible. He adds he also wants veterans facilities in North Chicago and Marion investigated.