UPDATE: A new Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic is officially coming to Virginia Beach, with a lease just signed for a staggering $355.7 million facility. The announcement was made earlier today by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, marking a significant step forward in expanding healthcare access for veterans in the area.
The clinic will be located at the northeast corner of Northampton Boulevard and Premium Outlets Boulevard, covering an impressive 182,230 square feet and offering 1,250 parking spaces. This 20-year lease aims to address the growing veteran population in Hampton Roads, which has been a pressing concern. “We are thrilled to announce the awarding of this new clinic lease in Hampton Roads,” Kaine and Warner stated. “This facility will fill a critical gap by expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the veterans who have served our country.”
This clinic was first authorized in 2022 as part of the PACT Act, which enhances VA healthcare and benefits for veterans affected by toxic exposures. However, recent updates in cost estimates prompted the need for reauthorization from four congressional committees earlier this year.
In a related context, the senators also voiced strong opposition to a plan from former President Donald Trump’s administration that could cut up to 35,000 VA positions nationwide. The VA has already reduced staffing by 30,000 positions this year through voluntary buyouts and attrition, which officials claim has streamlined operations.
VA Secretary Doug Collins remarked, “The current VHA leadership structure is riddled with redundancies that slow decision making.” A reorganization effort is underway to eliminate excessive middle management and improve operational efficiency without further job cuts.
The need for this new clinic comes amid ongoing staffing shortages at the Hampton VA hospital, highlighted by a recent report from the Office of the Inspector General. A new clinic in Chesapeake, which opened in April, is still working towards full staffing, expected to reach 540 employees by January. However, it is unclear if they are on track to meet this critical goal.
As work progresses on this high-stakes project, veterans in the Virginia Beach area can look forward to enhanced healthcare services designed to meet their evolving needs. Stay tuned for further updates on the construction timeline and operational details of this vital facility.
