A bill sponsored by Rep. Shane Hudella of Hastings to provide $78 million in state funding the renovate the Hastings Veterans Home is on hold until allegations by caregivers at the facility about an …
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A bill sponsored by Rep. Shane Hudella of Hastings to provide $78 million in state funding the renovate the Hastings Veterans Home is on hold until allegations by caregivers at the facility about an alleged culture of workforce harassment and ignoring of safety concerns.
The Pioneer Press first reported concerns from past and current workers that they say is leading to caregivers leaving and is making the environment at the home not safe for residents or staff.
Hudella said, “In light of the recent Pioneer Press article concerning whistleblower allegations at the Hastings Veterans Home, I have recalled my $78 million bill to renovate the campus until such time that I feel the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and the Governor’s office are adequately addressing these very serious complaints. I may not wear a uniform anymore, but I will 100 percent still die on this hill for my fellow vets.”
The Hastings Veterans Home has room for people in its domiciliary program which provides an independent living environment for eligible veteran and spouses who need assistance managing clinical, mental health, financial or social well-being.
The state money for the project would have funded one-third of the $248 million project, with the federal government paying two-thirds.
Caregivers have complained to supervisors, as well as the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Gov. Tim Walz that the Hastings Veterans Home is a “toxic workplace” and that people not qualified to make health care decisions are overseeing care.
In a statement, the state Department of Veterans Affairs said, “The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has and will continue to actively address any concerns from current or former employees in a comprehensive way, including but not limited to, reviewing and improving processes, conducting audits, implementing leadership development, training on multiple topics, and partnering with our Employee Assistance Program. Our goal is to continue to partner with our team members to resolve their concerns at the local level whenever possible.”
