United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Canandaigua VA Medical Center

Hospital Staff

Patient Advocate
The Patient Advocate (Representative) is a bridge between you and the Medical Center. If you have a problem, please ask your health care team immediately for assistance. Don't hesitate to express your concerns. By identifying potential problem areas, you are helping us improve patient service. If you are not satisfied contact the Patient Advocate.

Veterans Benefits Counselor
Veterans Benefits Counselors are assigned to the Medical Center to assist you with VA benefits (compensation, pension, government insurance, education, GI loans, vocational rehabilitation, etc.). If you need information or assistance, you may contact the Veterans Benefits Counselor located in the Veterans Service Center, building 2, basement, room 16 or the New York State Department of Veterans Affairs, Building 7 Basement Room 16. Women Veterans Coordinator
The Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) is a health care professional sensitive to the needs of women veterans. Specific concerns related to care, including issues of privacy, safety, and comfort for women in the VA Health Care System should be referred to the WVPM at (607) 664-4892.

Minority Veterans Program Coordinator
The Minority Veterans Coordinator focuses on the needs of minority veterans. The Coordinator serves African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Island Americans. Direct specific concerns about VA programs, benefits and services of minority veterans to the Minority Program Coordinator at (585) 393-7100 or contact a member of your health care team for assistance.

Social Work Assistance
Social workers are assigned to inpatient and outpatient units in the Medical Center and are available to help you with personal or family problems. Our social workers have information about many community agencies and resources that may be of assistance to you and your family while you are undergoing hospital treatment. The social worker can also help those who need special post-hospital care to plan and prepare for whatever is needed. Please notify your health care team if you need to contact your social worker. Notary Services
Notary Publics are available through the Medical Center. Please contact your ward clerk if you need this service. A Notary Public is located in the Veterans Service Center, located in building 2, basement, room 17.

Visual Impairment Services Coordinator
A member of the health care team refers all patients having visual impairments to the Visual Impairment Services Coordinator. The Coordinator will link all eligible patients with the Visually Impaired Program and make sure they receive all benefits to which they are entitled. Hospitalized visually impaired service patients are entitled to visually impaired prosthetics. The Coordinator also will provide follow-up for visually impaired patients when they leave the Medical Center.

Veteran Service Center
Veteran Service Center is located in building 2, basement, room 16.

Veterans Service Center staff are available to assist you with questions about:

Eligibility for VA Healthcare Benefits
Annual Means Testing
Travel reimbursement eligibility
Patient funds
Compensation and pension exams
Environmental exams