Atlanta VA director: Changes under way after audit

ATLANTA (AP) -- The new director of Atlanta's VA hospital says improvements are being made in the wake of two federal audits detailing allegations of mismanagement and poor patient care at the facility.

Director Leslie Wiggins met with reporters on Thursday to detail steps being taken at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Those steps include assigning VA-licensed social workers to contracted mental health facilities and creating a tracking system for mental health patients referred to outside facilities.

Earlier this year, the VA's Office of Inspector General linked the allegations to three deaths at the facility. Reports of a fourth death surfaced later.

At least two hospital employees have been reprimanded. Wiggins says she can't comment on any disciplinary matters. U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson has requested a field hearing to be held in August.