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July 31, 2008 – Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen expressed her extreme disappointment and outrage on Thursday after reading the joint local and federal inspector generals' audit report findings of mismanagement at Schneider Hospital.
Christensen said it was extremely disheartening to learn of reports of the misuse of hospital resources by at least one individual who she has worked with and supported, but more so because of the apparent betrayal of the trust of the people of the Virgin Islands.
"I feel that I have been violated both as a resident of the Virgin Islands and personally," said Christensen. "A facility that is entrusted with the health of some of the most vulnerable in our community is the last place I would have expected this to occur."
Christensen, who introduced and passed legislation to create a Chief Financial Officer twice in the House and amid much opposition, said these kinds of issues with government accountability, financial management and the distrust it created in government by the citizenry were the impetus for the bill.
"These are the kinds of issues that I hoped would have been behind us," said Christensen. "This is the last place I would have expected this to occur and as a resident of the Virgin Islands I feel violated."
"While it is my understanding that some corrective measures have already been made by the RLS Regional Medical Center, there is more that needs to be done to begin to restore the trust of the people in the hospital and government in general," she said. "I anticipate that much will be forthcoming from the governor tomorrow."
Christensen commended the local and federal inspector generals for their hard work and also the staff at Schneider Hospital for remaining committed to providing the best quality care to its patients.
