By Larry Dandridge
Last week’s article was this writer’s testament to the high quality of VA Healthcare based on my last 22 years as a patient and advisor at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System (RHJVAHS). This article includes proof positive that the RHJVAHS is second to none in quality of care and why veterans should sign up for VA healthcare.
Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System set a record of excellence in 2025
The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) completed a Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the high-complexity Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System in May 2025. The report was issued on May 28, 2026, and reviewed patient care, safety, operations, leadership, and the veteran experience. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4otGM5z.
OIG evaluated five major areas: culture, environment of care, patient safety, primary care, and veteran-centered safety net programs. The review included employee and veteran feedback, facility inspections, safety processes, access to care, homeless veteran programs, and operational performance across the health care system.
Improved primary care access
The report highlighted several positive observations, including improved access to primary care despite staffing vacancies; the closure of all prior OIG recommendations from the 2023 inspection; positive interactions between veterans, staff, and volunteers; and enhancements to the veteran experience, including valet parking and interactive way-finding kiosks.
These are remarkable achievements despite the following problems nationwide and locally to the VA System and the RHJHCS:
- Cuts of 40,000 VA employees in 2025, 88% of whom worked in the Veterans Health Administration.
- Uncertainty about federal employment.
- The RHJHCS closed 10 medical-surgical and 5 mental health inpatient beds due to position vacancies and potential for unsafe care.
- RHJVHCS vacancies for 5 providers, 8 registered nurses, 20 licensed practical nurses, and 18 medical support assistants across 84 primary care teams as of May 2025.
- Charleston’s increasing cost of living and uncompetitive locality pay affected RHJHCS recruitment and retention.
- RHJHCS licensed practical nurses and medical support assistants often left their primary care positions due to a lack of opportunities for advancement.
- Consolidation of human resources staff from the local (RHJHCS) to the regional level delayed hiring, which caused some candidates to seek other employment.
OIG zero findings/recommendations
Most notably, the OIG issued “zero findings and zero recommendations” for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, an uncommon outcome during an inspection of this size. The report also stated that inspectors “did not receive any complaints beyond the scope of this inspection that required referral to the OIG hotline.” Additionally, no deficiencies were identified within programs supporting homeless veterans, housing assistance, or justice-involved veterans.
This outcome reflects the excellent safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and veteran-centered care maintained across the RHJVAMC System. The high quality of care provided by the Ralph H. Johnson VA is a near-miracle of performance, as the current administration has pushed for reductions at the VA as part of a government-wide restructuring and has urged veterans to seek health care outside the VA system.
A 5-star healthcare system
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System again earned a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the 2026 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. CMS ratings are based on mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. The RHJ VA is among the highest-rated hospitals nationally.
Only SC hospital rated ‘Better’ for heart failure, pneumonia care
RHJ VA is one of eight 5-star CMS hospitals in South Carolina (out of 363 hospitals) and is the only South Carolina hospital rated “Better” for both Heart Failure and Pneumonia.
Leading in advanced cardiac care
The system is also leading nationally in advanced cardiac care. In May 2026, Ralph H. Johnson VA performed its first new heart rhythm treatment procedure using technology designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms more safely and efficiently.
2025 Gold Beacon Award
The Intensive Care Unit recently received the 2025 Gold Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, one of the highest national honors in critical care nursing. The award recognizes exceptional patient outcomes, strong quality and safety practices, and a healthy, collaborative work environment. Fewer than 90 hospitals out of 7,100 nationwide earned a Gold-level designation in 2025. That puts the Ralph H. Johnson in the top 2 percent of all hospitals in critical care nursing!
One of the fastest-growing
The Ralph H. Johnson VA is also one of the fastest-growing VA health care systems. The Charleston VA ranked No. 2 in FY24-25 enrollment growth, No. 5 in five-year growth, and No. 6 in Core Unique’s percentage growth.
The health care system provides care at eight locations across a 22-county area in South Carolina and Georgia: the main medical center in Charleston and seven community-based outpatient clinics in Beaufort, North Charleston, Goose Creek, Hinesville, Myrtle Beach, Brunswick, and Savannah. The system serves 85,000 veterans along the South Carolina and Georgia coasts, including more than 3,500 staff.
A major teaching, research, healthcare center
RHJ VA HCS is partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and is a major hub for teaching, research, and innovation. VA notes more than 190 research projects, 95 research investigators, and more than 300 research associates and staff. The RHJ VA is ranked 13th nationally (out of 172) in VA research, with a $29.5 million budget, and is home to VA’s original 3D/4D bioprinting hub, which produces thousands of devices and surgical models that help reduce costs and improve outcomes.
Fisher House Charleston ranked No. 1
Current data show that the RHJVAHCS Fisher House ranked No. 1 in families served in FY25, with 1,308 families served; No. 2 in occupancy, with 565 hotel-overflow nights; and estimated savings of $5.65 million for veterans and their families. A second Fisher House application is in progress.
These RHJVHCS accomplishments reflect a health care system that is not only highly rated but also growing, innovating, expanding access, investing in facilities, and delivering nationally recognized care to veterans across coastal South Carolina and Georgia.
Only time will tell whether the VA’s nationwide quality of care will follow the Ralph Johnson VA’s lead and continue to improve. It is up to veterans’ service organizations, and veterans, to make it known to our political leaders how the VA is caring for those who have borne the battle, and for their surviving spouse, and orphan.
Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, a combat and 100% service-connected disabled veteran, an ex-Enlisted Infantryman, an ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and a retired Lt. Colonel. He is a former Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA and Durham VA Medical Centers, a Fisher House Charleston Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veteran Benefits Advisor for the AUSA Coastal Carolina Chapter, MOPH Chapter, MOAA Triangle Chapter, and VFW Post 7383. Larry is also the author of the award-winning Blades of Thunder (Book One) and a contributing freelance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.