March 26, 2014
Dear Members of the Director's State Commanders Advisory Council:
Provided is an update on current topics impacting Veteran health care here at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS):
Medical Transportation Contract
As more services and programs become activated at VASNHS, we will become more self-reliant with our dedicated VA workforce and existing resources. As a result, contracts currently in place for transportation will no longer be needed with an expected savings to the tax payer of approximately $700,000 annually. During the transition from contract to VA provided transportation, services will continue uninterrupted. As a number of Veterans are familiar with the contracted staff, there may be Veteran concerns during the transition.
NEW & FUTURE SERVICES
Fast Track Program
In an effort to improve wait time for Veterans and reduce congestion in the Medical Center's Emergency Department, a new Fast Track program was implemented in February 2014. Veterans presenting in the Emergency Department who do not require emergency care will be treated through the new Fast Track program.
Acute Rehabilitation Services Open
VASNHS is proud to announce the opening of VASNHS's Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP). The first phase of beds opened March 11, 2014. CIIRP is an interdisciplinary program providing acute inpatient medical and rehabilitative care to achieve optimal functional outcome and the highest level of independence. VASNHS is excited to offer this standard of care and looks forward to working with Veterans and their families as part of our continuous effort to improve services and access to VA health care.
Dialysis Expansion
VASNHS is planning to start the modified schedule for dialysis services adding Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday sometime in April 2014 as some minor maintenance of the dialysis unit is underway.
Interventional Pain
VASNHS will begin performing interventional pain procedures towards the end of March 2014, with a plan to fully activate the service in April 2014.
Invasive ENT Surgical Procedures
VASNHS is planning to expand its Ears, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Service in mid-April 2014 allowing for more invasive surgical procedures to be performed.
Ophthalmology
VASNHS is working towards implementing Ophthalmology services in April 2014 to include cataract, glaucoma, and retinal surgery. This will greatly improve waiting time for these procedures.
Legal 2000 Capability
VASNHS is planning to accept "Legal 2000" patients sometime in April 2014. This will allow VASNHS to accommodate Veterans in its Mental Health unit for psychiatric evaluation to determine if the person is a danger to him/herself or others.
New Vascular Thoracic Surgeon
VASNHS recently hired a vascular surgeon who will assist VASNHS with handling vascular and thoracic surgery.
Cardiology Fellowship Class of 2014
VASNHS is proud to share news that the first group of three fellows will be starting in July 2014, as part of the new Cardiology Fellowship program. A rigorous and competitive process was followed to select the best qualified applicants. The new program will greatly contribute to education and training to meet the health care needs of VASNHS' Veterans.
Construction
· Construction of the administrative building continues at the medical center campus with a tentative completion in late 2014.
· The Women's Health Center on the third floor of the medical center is currently under construction with an anticipated summer 2014 completion.
· An Emergency Room expansion is underway with an estimated completion in early 2015.
· VASNHS has received preliminary approval for a Fisher House to be constructed on campus. Construction will begin in late 2014/2015.
· Construction of the Laughlin Clinic continues with an estimated completion in summer 2014.
· VASNHS is working on securing a new lease in Pahrump to expand clinical space. The existing clinic will remain open until a new lease and construction is completed.
Thank you for your continued support of our health care system and the Veterans we serve.
Isabel Duff, MS (SES)
Director
