Quality of Care

What's New at Your VA?

VA is constantly working to provide more excellent service and care for Veterans. This includes new programs and initiatives, advanced training, and renovations and improvements to enhance health care facilities. Each VA project is an opportunity to improve the delivery of services to America's heroes. Featured below are some of the exciting improvements in quality of care taking place around the country:  Click on the region below to find out what's new in that area.

Northeast | Southeast | Midwest | Northwest | Southwest

Northeast

The James E. Van Zandt VAMC is one of only eleven hospitals, and the only U.S Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facility in the state of Pennsylvania to receive a five-star experience rating. Photo by: Christopher Lemke

Five-Star Rating for James E. Van Zandt VAMC

ALTOONA, PA – Area Veterans rate their VA Medical Center higher than any other in the state.

On July 31st the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the results of a survey given to recently discharged patients. The James E. Van Zandt VAMC is one of only eleven hospitals, and the only U.S Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare  facility in the state of Pennsylvania to receive a five-star experience rating.

“We are so honored that our Veterans think so highly of us,” said Sigrid Andrew, Medical Center Director. “Earning this rating shows that that we are succeeding in our mission, to give our Veterans the best care possible. I am extremely proud of our staff at our facility, and the hard work they do every day.”   Read more...

Southeast

U.S. Army Veteran Dalia Cox finds participating in the Creative Arts Therapy Program at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and crafting helps her to find focus and peace when battling TBI and PTSD. Cox has been crafting and visiting the craft center on the C.W. Bill Young Medical Center Campus for nine years.

Bay Pines VA Veteran Finds Healing Through Crafts

Dalia Cox, a former U.S. Army 88M Motor Transport Operator, doesn't like to talk about her third and final combat deployment.

Cox, who medically retired from the Army after 23 years of service, received a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2005 while serving as an advisor to the 223rd Transportation Company from Newtown Square, Pa. Fifteen years later, Cox still suffers from TBI and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

VA estimates 11 to 20 out of every 100 Veterans who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom suffer from PTSD.  Read more...

Midwest

Ron Pritchard works on his balloon-making skills as part of his recovery from a spinal cord injury.

Battle Creek VA Announces New Director

The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Martin as the new director of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center (VAMC), effective September 13, 2020. Martin has served as acting Director since March, leading the medical center through the COVID-19 global pandemic. She has previously served as Battle Creek’s Associate Director for Patient Care Services/Nurse Executive.

“We are excited to officially name Michelle Martin as the new director of the Battle Creek VAMC,” said RimaAnn Nelson, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 10 Director. “Michelle has a proven track record of success at VA Medical Centers throughout this region – including right here in Battle Creek.  Read more...

Northwest

SFVAHCS Emergency Department physician, Dr. Michael Nejad says: "Telehealth is convenient, saves time and money… and is a way to keep Veterans in our system, where they get a higher quality of care delivered in a manner that reflects our appreciation of their service.”

Telehealth Improves Veterans’ Health

It’s no understatement to say that COVID-19 has changed the face of health care. In a time when face-coverings, six feet of physical distancing, and Shelter-in-Place orders are the new norm, the conventional expectations of health care delivery have been turned on their head. Fortunately, providers at the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) have confronted this challenge head-on, embracing innovative telehealth technologies, and adapting to constantly changing protocols—all while delivering the same level of high-quality care to Veterans from the Oregon border to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers, tablets, and smart phones, to access and manage health care services remotely. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has embraced telehealth as a transformational approach to care delivery that ensures patient convenience and accessibility.  Read more...

Southwest

Veterans can call 888-397-8387 to schedule an appointment, but appointments aren't required.

Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics

Flu vaccination is the best protection we have in fighting and controlling seasonal influenza and helps to reduce illness and hospitalization.
By getting a flu shot, you will be less likely to transmit flu to others, which will also help prevent the health care system − including VA facilities − from being overwhelmed with flu patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting a flu vaccine this fall is more important than ever to protect yourself, your family, friends, and coworkers. We are facing an unprecedented 2020 flu season as we prepare to battle the coronavirus at the same time.  Read more...

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