DONATE
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is reallocating $800 million to make facility improvements and VA medical centers around the country.
Brandon Smith / IPB NewsIndiana's primary Veterans Affairs hospital — the Roudebush Medical Center in Indianapolis — will receive several facility upgrades.
The improvements are part of an $800 million funding program for the VA system nationwide.
U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins toured Roudebush earlier this year and said the Indianapolis facility, like many, was in need of upgrades.
"This reminds me of a lot of the older ERs that I saw years ago where you had a lot of crowded space, so it's very much a priority for us," Collins said.
Collins noted that the average age of VA hospitals in the country is about 60 years old.
READ MORE: Veterans Affairs secretary insists cuts to agency won't affect care for veterans
Looking for answers on statewide issues? We've got you covered with our project Civically, Indiana.
The improvements at Roudebush include upgrading elevators, fixing roof issues and replacing air handling units, upgrading the fire alarm system and purchasing a new CT scanner.
Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.