The Secretary of Veterans Affairs visits James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital receives an operational update
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins visited James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital to receive an operational update. He also took time to honor and recognize employees.
To kick start his visit to JAHVH, Sec. Collins received a leadership briefing from the hospital’s executive leadership team, led by David K. Dunning, Executive Director or James A. Haley, as well as local and state political leaders.
During the briefing, Sec. Collins discussed homelessness and how they can help with outreach efforts. Leaders informed him of the community partnerships with the goal of putting an end to veteran homelessness.
Mr. Dunning reinforced JAHVH’s reputation for excellence by highlighting Tampa’s exceptional access measures compared to the Tampa Bay community and 4 Star CMS quality score. He also emphasized JAHVH’s unique clinical programs catered to treating critically wounded active-duty patients, as well as leading groundbreaking healthcare innovations on the front line for the future of Veteran health care.
Sec. Collins awarded six employees during a coin ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Each employee was recognized for their hard work and commitment to JAHVH.
Those who received recognition:
- Chief of Innovation, Dr. Indra Sandal
- Chief of Health Information Management Service, Nina Thomas
- Chief of Chaplain Services, Chaplain Roosevelt Hanna
- Chief of Environmental Management, Rachel Evans
- Chief of Dermatology, Dr. Eugene Sanik
- Associate Director, Melissa Sudin
The hospital’s Executive Director, David Dunning explained why each employee was being honored. Those awarded received a coin from Sec. Collins. The coin represents a symbol of recognition and accomplishment. Dunning highlighted their commitment to making sure veterans receive the best care at JAHVH.
Sec. Collins toured the Spinal Cord Injury Center with several hospital leaders. Dunning explained why the center is so vital for veterans.
“James A. Haley continues to set the standard in the VA and Tampa local area,” said Dunning. “We prove this with our 4 Star CMS quality rating." Sec. Collins was able to see that by seeing each center and the programs offered.
Dunning reinforced JAHVH’s reputation for excellence by highlighting Tampa’s exceptional access measures compared to the Tampa Bay community and 4 Star CMS quality score. He also emphasized JAHVH’s unique clinical programs catered to treating critically wounded active-duty patients, as well as leading groundbreaking healthcare innovations on the front line for the future of Veteran health care.
While touring different rooms, some aspects of the Spinal Cord Injury Center were personal to Sec. Collins. He explained that his daughter was born with spina bifida. “As a father of a child in a wheelchair, I’ve watched this… My daughter had spina bifida when she was born. So, her first steps, were roll, in a pink wheelchair,” he said.
Sec. Collins had the opportunity to talk to several wounded veterans at JAHVH. The first veteran he met was Sean Stutson. Stutson is an Air Force veteran who is using an exoskeleton to walk. The cutting-edge technology aids the rehabilitation and restoration of gait, helping veterans walk again.
As Stutson utilized the device with his team of trained JAHVH providers, Sec. Collins took the time to shake his hand. He told Stutson, “You keep fighting. If you need a walking buddy, you just let me know.”
Sec. Collins also spoke to a group of veterans who highlighted their care experience at JAHVH. One veteran told him, “In the 10 weeks that I’ve been here, I’ve had better healthcare than in the 22 years of active service, by far.”
Dunning expressed to Sec. Collins there is a need for continued personnel support at JAHVH. That support will allow the hospital to continue to offer an exceptional level of care to veterans. Dunning explained this would improve their services to Tampa’s Veterans.
One future project Dunning touched on was utilizing new drone technology. This would ensure veterans can access clinics. The new technology would specifically come in handy during hurricane season. Dunning explained that drones can be used after hurricanes to assess damage at their clinics.
Hospital leaders know this would be useful because this past hurricane season, employees couldn’t access one of their clinics for five days due to flooding. With new drone technology, that can change by allowing staff to see what the conditions are from above. That will expedite how clinics will be able assess damage and allow patients to receive timely care.
Sec. Collins listened to Dunning’s future plans for JAHVH. He noted that he will be working on ways he can help to improve care for veterans in Tampa.