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

VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Buffalo VA Medical Center

For Your Safety

Valuables
For safekeeping, you are advised to keep all valuables at home. The Medical Center is not responsible for money or other valuables that you keep in your room. We ask that you keep no more than $10.00 cash on hand. Any additional money should be deposited with the Agent Cashier. Coupon booklets and phone cards may be purchased through the Retail Store. Agent Cashier
The Agent Cashier will help veterans with personal funds, travel vouchers, and co-payments. In Buffalo, the Agent Cashier’s office is located on the first floor, E-Wing, Room 146E. It is open 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In Batavia, the Agent Cashier is located in building #1 on the ground floor. It is open from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Families are encouraged to obtain coupon books at the Retail Store for patient use.

Prohibited Items
Patients may not have alcoholic beverages, narcotics, firearms, ammunition, knives, other weapons, lighter fluid, non-safety matches, straightedge razors or any medications from home. Firearms, cellular telephones, TVs, radios, and personal computers are not permitted in the Medical Center. If a patient has any of these items, please ask someone to take it home for you or turn these items over to the VA Police. Smoking Policy
The hospital is a smoke-free facility. Staff, visitors, volunteers and patients may not smoke anywhere indoors or within 25 feet of the Medical Center. The VA Police can issue fines for disobeying the smoking policy. In Buffalo, smoking is permitted in the Annex, this area is on the first floor, C-Wing.

In Batavia, smoking is permitted on the ground floor; smoking room; building #4 patio; and outside building #1 in the “smoke house.” Please be considerate of non-smokers.

Fire/Disaster Drill
The Medical Center has a fire and disaster plan for the protection of both patients and staff. If you discover a fire, tell a staff member right away. If you are on a ward that needs to be evacuated, follow the instructions from the staff. Exit signs show the locations of emergency exits. Fire alarms are near each exit. Restraints
The Medical Center strives for a restraint-free environment. Occasionally, restraints are necessary. The least restrictive method will be used to ensure that the patient’s needs, dignity and rights are maintained. If you have further questions, contact your health care team.

Zero Tolerance for Violence
In order to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, we need your help. The Network Medical Centers have a “zero tolerance” for violence. Behavior that is disruptive, threatening or violent will not be tolerated and should be reported to staff or VA Police immediately. Once identified, corrective action will be implemented (as necessary) to insure the safety of all parties. Security Cameras
For your safety, and the safety of visitors and employees, VA Western New York Healthcare System parking lots and grounds in Buffalo are monitored by the VA Police. In addition, there are 24 hour surveillance security cameras in the parking lots at Buffalo.

In Batavia, security cameras are located in special areas such as the canteen and outdoor entryways. Entrances are closed after administrative operating hours.

Cameras, Video Equipment, Tape Recorders and Cellular Phones
For reasons of patient privacy, cameras, video equipment, tape recorders, and cellular phones are generally not allowed in the Medical Center. If your family or friends wish to bring in a camera, video camera or tape recorder, they must make arrangements with the Nurse Manager. Cellular phone usage is limited to non-patient areas. Please adhere to the signage posted. VA Police
VA Police are on duty 24 hours a day for your care and protection. Contact the VA Police if the need arises, or if a family member or friend needs to be escorted to their car. In Buffalo the Police are located on the first floor, C-Wing, Room 114C.

In Batavia, the office is in building #1, first floor, Room 101.