The Department of Veterans Affairs has taken the first step toward removing the director of the Central Alabama VA Healthcare System following months of problems.
The VA's deputy secretary, Sloan Gibson, said Monday that he proposed the removal of James Talton following an investigation that substantiated allegations of neglect of duty.
Talton was placed on administrative leave in August after reports that hundreds of X-rays went unread, patients experienced long delays in getting appointments, and one employee took a patient to buy illegal drugs.
A congresswoman from Montgomery, Martha Roby, says the proposed termination is a major step toward building trust with Alabama veterans.
A VA official from Atlanta, Robin Jackson, is serving as acting director for the Central Alabama VA.
