Staffing shortages and heat waves disrupt imaging services at DC VA hospital

Staffing shortages and a failing HVAC system at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center have caused MRI scanner outages and longer turnaround times for exams like amyloid PET scans. Return-to-office mandates prompted radiologists to leave before the VA reversed the policy.

• An aging cooling system caused MRI scanners to go offline during heat waves, similar to issues reported in the United Kingdom.
• Return-to-office mandates in 2025 led to radiologist departures; the VA later exempted radiologists, but many had already left.
• VA press secretary Quinn Slaven says two new hires in August will bring the department total to seven, "well above historical levels," but former officials dispute the improvement.

Automated summary

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