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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
Hospital Staff
Patient Representative
The Patient Representative is a bridge between you
and the Medical Center. If you have a problem,
please ask your health care team for help immediately.
Don't hesitate to express your concerns. By
identifying potential problem areas, you are helping
us improve patient service.
If you are not satisfied, contact the Patient Representative
The Patient Representative is here to help you.
Complaints and Concerns
Each facility has their own procedure for complaints and concerns. Generally you can address your concerns with the manager or supervisor of that area. If you are not satisfied, we encourage you to work with the Patient Advocate at the facility. The
Patient Advocate is there to help you and your family resolve any issues you may have. After working with the Patient Advocate, if you feel your issue is still unresolved, we encourage you to contact any member of our Management staff for assistance.
Joint Commission
The Joint Commission evaluates health care organizations for safety and quality of care. If you or your family has a concern, you have the right to contact The Joint Commission at any time. You will need to summarize your complaint in one to two pages and include the complete name and address of the health care organization. You may submit your name and contact information or submit your complaint anonymously. Providing your name and contact information enables JCAHO to inform you about the actions taken in response to your complaint and also to contact you should additional information be needed The Joint Commission Office of Quality Monitoring. For information on submitting a complaint, please read the The Joint Commission Public Notice.
Veterans Benefits Counselor
A Veterans Benefits Counselor is assigned to the
Medical Center to assist you in matters concerning
VA benefits such as compensation, pension, insurance,
education, government GI loans, vocational
rehabilitation, etc. If you need information or assistance,
ask your ward staff to contact the Veterans
Benefits Counselor for you. Representatives from
various service organizations, as well as the New
York Regional Office are available for consultation
on veterans' benefits. The offices of these organizations
are located on the third floor, Suite C-308.
Women Veterans Coordinator
The Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) is a health care professional sensitive to the needs of women veterans. Specific concerns related to care, including issues of privacy, safety, and comfort for women in the VA Health Care System should be referred to the WVPM at (518) 626-5519.
Minority Veteran Program Coordinator
The Minority Veterans' Coordinator focuses on the
needs of minority veterans. The Coordinator serves
African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic
Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Island
Americans. Specific concerns related to VA programs,
benefits, and services for minority veterans may be
directed to the Minority Veteran Program Coordinator
through your ward staff.
Service Coordinator for the Visually Impaired
Patients having visual impairments may be referred
to the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)
Coordinator by their social worker or ward staff.
Social Work Services
Social workers are assigned to each inpatient ward
and outpatient clinic in the Medical Center and are
available to help you with personal or family problems.
Our social workers have information about
many community agencies and resources which may
be of assistance to you and your family while you are
undergoing hospital treatment. The social worker can
also help those who need special post-hospital care to
plan and prepare for whatever is needed. Please
notify your health care team or ward clerk if you
need to contact your social worker.
Notary Services
Notary services are available for inpatients. Please
check with the ward clerk.
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: December 28, 2006 |
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