VA Secretary Denis McDonough Visits Tucson VA Medical Center to Highlight Major Modernization Efforts

This visit comes as part of a nationwide initiative by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enhance healthcare services for Veterans across the country.

During his visit, Secretary McDonough addressed a gathering of local media, emphasizing VA's commitment to providing high-quality care. "Expanding access to VA healthcare is not just a priority; it’s a necessity. We know that Veterans who receive VA care have better health outcomes," he stated. "These modernization projects are crucial in ensuring that we meet the growing needs of our Veteran community."

The Secretary commended SAVAHCS for meeting wait times targets for mental health care access for new patients. The national VA average is less than 20 days. Then, VA policy requires that ongoing mental health appointments be scheduled within 30 days of the Veteran's preferred date. Additionally, SAVAHCS offers same-day mental health and virtual appointments. Then, the COMPACT Act allows Veterans to get mental health care at any hospital in the country.

“Averages are helpful to help Veterans manage expectations, but we endeavor to make sure that every single Veteran has a satisfactory experience,” said McDonough. 

SAVAHCS received a score of 88.4% on their patient survey question “It was easy to get my appointment” and 88.6 % “I got my appointment on a date and time that worked for me.” 

The Secretary emphasized that today VA is currently delivering more care and benefits to a greater number of Veterans than ever before, achieving trust levels that surpass any seen in the past. This is evident by the rise to nearly 82,000 enrolled in health care at SAVAHCS and their outreach efforts to reach the 175,000 Veterans in southern Arizona.

McDonough recognizes that we're getting better and infrastructure enhancement efforts here on the Tucson Medical Center campus are evidence that we're continuing to improve for these thousands of new southern Arizona Veterans.

Key Projects at SAVAHCS

SAVAHCS is currently engaged in several significant construction projects aimed at improving its facilities and infrastructure:

• Mental Health Clinic Expansion: A 7,600 square foot expansion is expected to be completed by the end of this year, enhancing access to mental and behavioral health care.
• Primary Care Expansion: A project to add 11,250 square feet to the Primary Care facility is scheduled to begin in October 2024.
• Emergency Department Renovation: An 8,000 square foot renovation of the Emergency Department will begin at the end of this year, aimed at providing immediate treatment for serious health emergencies.
• Inpatient Bed Tower: A major project involving a four-story addition to Building 38 will add approximately 125,000 square feet of new construction and renovate 11,000 square feet, ultimately providing 105 private inpatient bedrooms.

"SAVAHCS strives to deliver healthcare services with purpose, passion, and pride”, said SAVAHCS Associate Director Maria Nguyen. “The ongoing improvements to our facilities are essential in fulfilling this mission, ensuring that we provide the highest quality of care for our Veterans."

The visit by Secretary McDonough underscores the VA's dedication to modernizing its facilities and improving healthcare access for Veterans throughout southern Arizona and beyond, ensuring that they receive the best possible care in a supportive environment. 

Jaison Bloom, Public Affairs Officer

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