Boswell says change at Knoxville V-A will likely move ahead

Congressman Leonard Boswell says there’s a slim chance Congress may undo the plan to end inpatient treatment at the V-A Hospital in Knoxville, affecting over 100 hospital beds. Boswell says Congress has 60 days to review the V-A restructuring plan. Boswell says he hopes he and the state’s two prominent senators can stop the move, which would see the V-A use the Knoxville facility for outpatient treatment only. Boswell says the hospital should NOT be shut down.Boswell says Knoxville’s V-A hospital is “in excellent shape” and has a reputation, particularly in the area of mental health treatment, of being among the best in the nation. Boswell says now is not the time to reduce the available hospital beds within the V-A system. Boswell says there’s a great number of American soldiers being wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan who need longterm hospital care. Boswell made his comments during taping of the Iowa Public Television program “Iowa Press” which airs tonight. Boswell was asked what folks in Knoxville should believe are the chances Congress will act to override the plan. Boswell says he’s going to do the best he can “to keep it in play.”