VA taking over old Charleston Naval hospital

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ The Navy hospital at the old Charleston Naval Base is changing hands and will eventually be run by the Veterans Administration.

VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake this week approved allowing the Johnson VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston to acquire the hospital.

The Navy will be moving out during the coming year. The Navy medical services are being moved to a new consolidated Department of Defense-Veterans Administration Clinic at the Naval Weapons Station in Goose Creek.

The old Navy hospital will then be used as a VA outpatient center. The existing VA hospital will offer expanded inpatient services including neurology and cardiac care.