Ohio VA clinic director promoted in wake of infection scandal

Guy Richardson, director of the Dayton Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Ohio during the recent dental clinic infection scandal, has been promoted, according to a story in the Dayton Daily News -- a move U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Centerville) called an "outrage."

The clinic is currently being investigated for allegations that, over an 18-year period, a dentist there performed invasive dental procedures on patients, but failed to change latex gloves and sterilize dental instruments properly between patients. Nine patients seen at the dental clinic have since tested positive for hepatitis, although it is not yet clear if they contracted the disease from the clinic.

"Promoting Director Richardson during this investigation is wrong and just another outrage in a series on the part of the VA," Turner said in a statement. "This bait and switch just two days before Richardson was scheduled to meet with the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and me is unacceptable."

Richardson was "detailed" to the VA Health Care System of Ohio Network, effective March 11, according to the Daily News.