A new outpatient clinic for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to establish a significant presence in Virginia Beach. The Veterans Health Administration has signed a lease for a health facility valued at $355.7 million. This announcement, made on December 19, 2023, by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing healthcare access for veterans in the region.
The clinic will occupy 182,230 square feet of medical space and include 1,250 parking spaces, with the contract awarded to Nevada-based Molasky Development. The facility is strategically located at the northeast corner of Northampton Boulevard and Premium Outlets Boulevard. Senators Kaine and Warner expressed their enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the growing veteran population in the area and the clinic’s role in addressing critical healthcare needs.
Background and Legislative Support
The establishment of this clinic is part of a broader initiative authorized in 2022 under the PACT Act, which expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to various toxins during their service. Following updated cost estimates and rent bids, government agencies sought reauthorization from four congressional committees earlier this year to proceed with the project.
In their statement, Kaine and Warner also voiced opposition to a proposed plan by former President Donald Trump’s administration that aimed to reduce 35,000 VA positions nationwide. The VA has already seen a reduction of 30,000 positions this year due to buyouts and attrition. Officials from the VA assert that these staffing cuts have streamlined operations and increased efficiency.
Reorganization and Staffing Challenges
In conjunction with the announcement about the new clinic, the VA is undergoing a significant reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration. According to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the current leadership structure is “riddled with redundancies that slow decision making, sow confusion, and create competing priorities.” The reorganization aims to eliminate unnecessary layers of middle management without further reducing staffing levels.
The Hampton VA hospital, along with other facilities, is grappling with staffing shortages, a situation highlighted by a recent report from the Office of the Inspector General. A new clinic in Chesapeake that opened in April is not yet fully staffed, with plans to hire until it reaches a full complement of 540 employees by January. It remains uncertain whether this hiring goal will be met on schedule.
The development of the outpatient clinic in Virginia Beach is a crucial step in ensuring that veterans receive the high-quality medical care they deserve. As the region’s veteran population continues to grow, this facility will play a vital role in filling a significant healthcare gap.
