MADISON (WKOW) -- TheWilliam S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospitalin Madison is planning to expand services as Wisconsin starts to reopen.
Some services will be expanded beginning Wednesday.
These procedures include some gastroenterology, cardiology, orthopedic and operating room procedures and preparing related lab, imaging and specialty clinics for that increase in procedure volume.
Each Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) selected facilities as Lead Sites to be the first to implement a phased approach to reintroducing health care services, while ensuring a safe environment.
The hospital is taking strict safety measures, including employee and veteran COVID-19 screening, physical distancing, appropriate personal protective attire and frequent disinfection of high-touch services.
The Madison VA will also continue to offer virtual care options like telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks.
If you’re a veteran patient who wishes to be seen, they ask you to call 888-598-7793 to make an appointment beforehand.
As additional facilities reintroduce services across the country, the Madison VA will share best practices learned.
“The safety of Veterans and staff is the highest priority when we consider how we provide health care services and procedures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” John Rohrer, Director of the Madison VA said. “VA will take into account guidance from various agencies including federal, state and local government as we gradually reintroduce health care services. As a high reliability organization, safety is always paramount and will continue to guide our decision making.”
As one of the pilot sites, the Madison VA will begin marginally increasing specific procedures at the hospital starting May 20th. These procedures include some gastroenterology, cardiology, orthopedic and operating room procedures and preparing related lab, imaging and specialty clinics for that increase in procedure volume. In addition, the Madison VA will be piloting a phased increase of face to face visits at our Beaver Dam Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). This will result in a focused and incremental increase in procedures and face to face visits.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has developed a risk-based framework to prioritize non-urgent procedures, in addition to the urgent procedures currently being performed. Evaluation of factors such as patient health, staff safety and resource considerations will guide expansions and scheduling decisions. Rigorous safety measures including employee and Veteran COVID-19 screening, physical distancing and appropriate personal protective attire such as face coverings and frequent disinfection of high-touch services will remain in place at all VHA facilities.
While the hospital is beginning to increase volume of scheduled procedures, Veterans are reminded that walk-in clinics are not open at this time. Only patients with a confirmed scheduled appointment should present to the facility, unless they are experiencing a medical emergency. Veterans are also encouraged to present to the facility no earlier than 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment to assist in managing building capacity. Emergency medical and mental health care remains open and available.
If you’re a Veteran patient who wishes to be seen, please call 888-598-7793 to make an appointment beforehand.
The Madison VA will continue to maximize personalized virtual care options like telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks, as we know these services have been a valuable link to our Veterans during this challenging time. As additional facilities reintroduce services across the country, the Madison VA will share best practices learned with all facilities across the country.
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