Since the publishing of these articles, ASA has learned the “shortage” of physician anesthesiologists was temporary and the result of unexpected late summer staff departures, coupled with paternity and maternity leave of staff. Nurse anesthetist departures appear to be part of normal staff turnover. New physician anesthesiologists have been hired for all authorized VA positions and are awaiting formal VA credentialing before starting work.  One new physician anesthesiologist started Monday, October 16.

Additionally, upon learning of the cancellations and postponements, numerous members of the Denver physician anesthesiologist community contacted the Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) offering their services. CSA also contacted leadership at the University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology to see if assistance could be mobilized from there. The offers of assistance were relayed to VA leadership and these Denver physicians stand ready to assist the facility if needed.

FOX 31 provided an update to this situation on October 18, noting the assistance offered to Denver VA by the CSA. Watch it here.

Ensuring our nation’s Veterans have safe, timely access to anesthesia care remains one of ASA’s top priorities, and we will continue to monitor this situation closely. ASA applauds CSA and the Denver physician anesthesiologist community for their fast and dedicated response to ensuring high-quality anesthesia care within VA.

Read the full CSA statement.