HAMPTON (AP) - An inspector general's report says a Hampton VA Medical Center patient twice reported his attempted suicide but the staff never notified the hospital's suicide prevention coordinator.
Media outlets report that the incident involving the man who had a history of depression occurred more than three years ago. It was investigated at the request of North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr.
According to report, the staff noted the attempted suicide in the patient's record, but never filed a report to alert the suicide prevention coordinator for further monitoring and review.
The man later died of accidental causes six weeks after visiting an area outpatient clinic.
Hampton VA Medical Center officials said they agree with the report and its recommendations. Providers who work there under contract are now trained in managing suicide risk.
