A significant development for veterans’ healthcare is underway in Virginia Beach, where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has finalized a lease for a new outpatient clinic. The facility, valued at $355.7 million, will be located at the northeast corner of Northampton Boulevard and Premium Outlets Boulevard. U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner announced this milestone on December 19, 2023, emphasizing the importance of the clinic in addressing the needs of the growing veteran population in the region.
The lease covers 182,230 square feet of medical space and includes 1,250 parking spaces. The contract has been awarded to Nevada-based Molasky Development, which will oversee the construction and operation of the facility. This project was initially authorized as part of the PACT Act in 2022, designed to enhance VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to various toxins during their service.
Despite the clinic’s authorization, the project faced delays due to updated cost estimates and rent bids, prompting a reauthorization process involving four congressional committees earlier this year. Senators Kaine and Warner highlighted the critical nature of this facility, stating, “The veteran population in the region continues to grow, and this facility will fill a critical gap by expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the veterans who have served our country.”
The new clinic comes at a time when the VA is undergoing significant staffing changes. Reports indicate that the department has already reduced staffing by 30,000 positions this year through buyout offers and attrition, in efforts to enhance efficiency and decrease bureaucracy. The agency plans to implement a reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration’s management structure to eliminate redundancies that hinder decision-making processes. VA Secretary Doug Collins remarked on the necessity of this change, stating, “When everyone’s in charge of everything, no one’s in charge of anything.”
In the Hampton Roads area, the local VA hospital has been particularly affected by staffing shortages, as outlined in a recent report from the Office of the Inspector General. The North Battlefield Outpatient Clinic, which opened in April, is also facing challenges in staffing, with ongoing recruitment efforts aimed at reaching a full complement of 540 employees by January. The VA has not confirmed if hiring is on track to meet this target, raising concerns about the clinic’s operational readiness.
As the new outpatient clinic prepares to begin operations, it holds the promise of improved healthcare access for veterans in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas. The development reflects a broader commitment to enhancing veterans’ services, ensuring that those who have served the nation receive the quality care they deserve.
