Minneapolis VA Among Hospitals Working To Add Women’s Care

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - With women the fastest growing veteran group joining VA care, there's concern that the VA hasn't changed quickly enough for their needs, including in Minnesota.

A recent report from the group Disabled American Veterans says many VA hospitals are short-staffed on gynecologists and mental health specialists to help patients with sexual assault trauma. The report says women make up 20 percent of military recruits.

An initiative was launched in 2008 to improve care for women at the Minneapolis VA. The system recently added a suite for mammogram imaging, as well as a gynecologist and maternity care adviser.

Reports say Minnesota U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and other legislators have called for an inspection into how well Department of Veterans Affairs policies account for gender-specific care.