Sen. Ossoff Launches Inquiry into Impacts of Staffing Shortages & Leadership Deficiencies at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

Augusta, Ga. - As part of his ongoing inquiry, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is requesting more information about staffing shortages and leadership issues impacting veterans' care at the Augusta VA.

Sen. Ossoff is requesting answers about potential risks to patient health and safety as part of his office's ongoing inquiry into staffing shortages and leadership deficiencies at the Charlie Norwood Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Augusta that are severely impacting veterans' health care.

Sen. Ossoff's ongoing inquiry follows disturbing reports in May and August 2025 by the VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) about the Augusta VA.

"Over the last several months, investigators in my office have received alarming firsthand reports from employees and patients of the Augusta VA that raise urgent and ongoing concerns about harms to patient care, staff morale, and staff capacity resulting from these issues," Sen. Ossoff wrote to Acting Director Doelling. "One Augusta VA staff member stated that some patients 'died while waiting for care.' Potential risks to patient health and safety require immediate investigation and remedy."

Sen. Ossoff is requesting information about vacancy rates for provider and staff positions, what steps are being taken to retain and recruit staff, what measures have been taken to address vacancies in leadership at the Augusta VA, and more.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to strengthen veterans' access to the care they deserve.

Earlier this month, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry into the status of implementing the Veterans Child Care Assistance Program (VCAP) at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, a program aimed at making it easier for Georgia veteransto access health care by reducing the difficulty of finding childcare during medical appointments.

Last summer, Sen. Ossoff pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins about leadership challenges at the Augusta VA impacting veterans' care after the VA's Inspector General report found VA Augusta leaders fostered a "culture of fear" with a "threatening and abusive communication style" and allegedly retaliated against employees who shared concerns.

In 2023, Sen. Ossoff urged the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to establish a Women's Health Center of Excellence at the VA Augusta Health Care System in Augusta, Georgia.

Click here to read Sen. Ossoff's inquiry to Acting Director Doelling.

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