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Minneapolis VA Medical Center
A Member of the VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN23)
patient's guide: Patient Representatives
photo collage of medical equipment and patient Our Patient Representative program seeks to give you and your family the security of knowing someone is available to focus on your individual concerns. We offer you a personal link to the institution that ensures that your rights as a patient are respected.

You can depend on us for support–for a quick response to questions, problems, or special needs. We work closely with all the hospital departments on your behalf, so we can go directly to the right people to deal with your concern or untangle problems that involve many different people or hospital systems. We know the resources,within the hospital or the broader VA community,that you can go to for extended services. If we can not answer your question or concern, we will find someone who can.


What We Do


serve as advocates for patients and their families
provide a link between the patient and the hospital
help patients and their families exercise their rights
act on behalf of the patient in a crisis, or earlier if possible to prevent a crisis
direct patients and families to hospital and community resources
Recommend changes in hospital policies and procedure to improve services
act as guides in a complex institution, and interpret complex regulations


Patient Relations Staff:

(612) 725-2106
Patient Family Center, Room 1S-114
8:00 am to 4:30 pm, weekdays

Chris Erickson, Supervisor                                  (612) 467-2373

Mike Rosecrans, Patient Representative            (612) 467-2380
Marge Oslund, Patient Representative               (612) 467-5602
Maggie Swenson, Patient Representative          (612) 467-2157
Tanya Simien, Patient Representative                (612) 467-3004

Whether you are in the hospital, or here for a clinic visit, a phone call is often all it takes to answer your question or provide a needed service.

After you go home, you may find that you have questions or concerns about what went on during your hospital stay or visit. A phone call or a letter to the Patient Representative will bring a concerned response.

Phone calls or letters to the Medical Center Director will be referred to the Patient Representatives for whatever action is appropriate to help the inquirer's concern.

If you feel that you may need an outside advocate for any reason, here is a listing of options:

Mental Health Assoc. Minn
(612) 331-6840

Mental Health Law Project
(612) 332-1441

Ombudsman for Mental Health
Anoka - (763) 712-4249
St. Paul- (651) 296-3848
Duluth- (218) 279-2526
Toll free-1-800-657-3506 (from outside metro area)

Onbudsman for Older Minnesotans (Nursing Home)
(651) 296-0382
1-800-657-3591

Ombudsman for Health Facilities Complaints
(651) 296-1256

VHA Patient Rights and Responsibilities Patient Rights and Responsibilities


Please Report Concerns about Patient Care Quality and Safety

If you have concerns about patient care quality and safety in the hospital, you are encouraged to discuss them with the appropriate supervisor or manager, or with the Patient Safety Manager, Linda Kraemer. Patients are encouraged to report concerns and complaints to the Patient Representative.

If you believe that your concern has not been resolved internally, you may report it to the Joint Commission by calling 1-800-994-6610 or by emailing complaint@jointcommission.org.

It is our hope that we are able to address your concerns and questions internally within the Medical Center. Please contact the Patient Safety Manager at (612) 467-3022 or the Patient Representative at (612) 467-2106.


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