Patch, 5/11/2022- U.S. Secretary Of Veteran Affairs Tours Coatesville Medical Center

By Holly Herman

CHESTER COUNTY — U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan hosted the U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Denis McDonough at the Coatesville Veteran Affairs Medical Center in the wake of a March 14 report proposing the closure of the inpatient facility.

The recommendation called for replacing the center with an outpatient clinic and constructing a new inpatient hospital in King of Prussia, Upper Merion Township.

The five-hour tour Wednesday included a roundtable with the leadership of local health care providers, meeting with union representatives, and discussions with veteran small business owners.

"It was an honor to visit the Coatesville VA Medical Center where they continue to provide world-class care, particularly in the areas of mental health and women's health," McDonough said after the tour.

McDonough assured the veterans the government will continue to provide the health care and recruit, hire and retain the top-notch health care professionals.

Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat representing all of Chester County and southeastern Berks County, said she was pleased the secretary accepted her invitation to learn more about our veterans and the facilities they use in Pennsylvania.

Houlahan is leading a team of lawmakers representing Philadelphia, Delaware and Bucks counties, and the Lehigh Valley to prevent the closure.