VA Teams Up with DoD to Boost Surgical Care: PENSACOLA, Fla. In a groundbreaking initiative, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has joined forces with the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance surgical care access for around 37,000 Gulf Coast-area veterans.
The collaborative effort enables veterans to receive same-day, outpatient surgical care at a newly established VA clinic situated within Naval Hospital Pensacola, a local DoD hospital. This strategic partnership aims to expedite care delivery to a larger number of Gulf Coast veterans conveniently.
Utilizing additional space at Naval Hospital Pensacola, the VA clinic, located in close proximity, extends surgical and hospital services to veterans. Dr. Shareef Elnahal, VA Under Secretary for Health, emphasized the advantage of leveraging military culture knowledge among the staff, as many have personal connections to veterans in their families and communities.
Previously, veterans had to travel to distant locations like the Biloxi VA Medical Center or local community hospitals for surgical procedures. The new clinic, already open for ambulatory surgery, plans to expand its services swiftly to accommodate the growing demand.
Marine Corps veteran Rob Curry expressed the necessity of clinic expansion, acknowledging the strain on doctors who serve a large number of patients. The VA’s intention is to replicate this successful partnership model across the country, ensuring that veterans receive the care they earned.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is the VA under the DOD?
The VA, a distinct federal agency, offers assistance and aid to veterans. On the other hand, the DoD oversees the military and national security of the United States.
What has the Department of Veterans Affairs done recently?
The Department of Veterans Affairs has successfully housed 38,847 homeless Veterans by October 2023, exceeding the year’s target of 38,000 Veterans by two months.
Who is eligible for free VA health care?
VA offers free health care for any illness or injury linked to your military service, known as a “service-connected disability.” You may qualify for additional free health care based on factors such as disability rating, service history, or income.
Who is in charge of Department of Veterans Affairs?
President Biden chose Denis Richard McDonough to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate approved Mr. McDonough’s nomination on February 8th, 2021, and he officially took on the role of the 11th Secretary of Veterans Affairs the very next day.