Kirk questions timing of VA director's exit

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - Republican Sen. Mark Kirk is questioning the timing of the retirement of the director of a Chicago-area veterans' hospital who was criticized for how she administered the facility.

Kirk had called for Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital director Joan Ricard's removal. Ricard announced her retirement Tuesday. She says the move is unrelated to the Veterans Affairs Department's firings on Monday of senior executives due to a nationwide scandal over long wait times for care.

Hines has been investigated in response to allegations of secret waiting lists to hide delays in granting appointments. Ricard has denied there were secret wait lists.

Kirk says he's had discussions with Deputy VA Secretary Sloan Gibson about Ricard's "incompetence."

Kirk says he'll "be looking for someone with the highest integrity possible" to run the facility.