Health-Care System Draws Mixed Review

A 90-day review of military health-care facilities revealed that quality of care is uneven. Reacting to the review, which he had ordered in May, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called for changes that would improve consistency and better serve service members and their families. First, he directed those facilities that fell short of benchmark standards to come up with plans within 90 days to improve access, quality and safety. He also directed those facilities to establish a system by which patients and “stakeholders” could provide input. Additionally, he ordered the system’s leadership to develop a system that would “enhance transparency” and foster better scrutiny of lapses. “These are first steps but they will help our hospitals and clinics foster a stronger culture of safety, quality and accountability,” Hagel said. He expects to have the changes in place within 45 days.