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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
Hospital Staff
Patient Representative (Advocate)
If you have a problem, ask your health care team
on the unit. If you are not satisfied, contact the
Patient Representative. The Patient Representative
is located in the Veterans Service Center on the first
floor, room A186 or at extension 54345.
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.
The 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 The Joint Commission 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 Counselors
Regional Office Veterans Benefits Counselors are
assigned to the Medical Center to help you with VA
benefits such as compensation, pension, government
insurance, education, GI loans, and vocational
rehabilitation. The Veterans Benefits Counselor is
located on the first floor, in the Veterans Service
Center, room A181 or by dialing extension 53229. Veterans Benefits Counselors are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 (315) 425-2609.
Minority Veterans Program Coordinator
The Minority Veterans Coordinator focuses on
the needs of minority veterans. Direct specified
concerns about VA programs, benefits and services
of minority veterans to the Minority Veterans
Coordinator at (315) 425-4400. The Minority
Veterans Coordinator's office is located on the
ground floor, room CG42.
Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST)
The VIST Program provides services to veterans with legal blindness or severe visual impairment. The VIST Coordinator is a specialist in the area of blindness rehabilitation. The VIST Coordinator can help with questions about low vision aids and equipment, vision related benefits and programs and services that can help veterans cope with their visual impairments. If you have questions or would like to apply for any of these services, please contact the VIST Coordinator located on the second floor, room C243 or dial extension 54381.
A support group for veterans and their families
meets from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the first
Thursday of each month in the VA auditorium,
located on the ground floor. For more information,
contact the VIST Coordinator.
Sexual Trauma Counselors
As a veteran (woman and men), you may have
experienced a sexual trauma while on active duty.
Since sexual trauma can leave you feeling isolated
and disconnected or different from others, sharing
your experiences and feelings with the support of
other people can help. Your VA health care team
can help you cope with the after affects of a trauma
experience and help you regain your confidence,
self-esteem and quality of life. For more information
call 1-800-827-1000.
Homeless Veteran Coordinator
The goal of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans
(HCHV) Program is to end homelessness among
veterans through outreach efforts and community
partnerships. Veterans are engaged in treatment and
rehabilitation programs to enable them to achieve a
better quality of life. The telephone number for all
of VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York
Homeless Veterans Program is (585) 393-7422.
Social Work Services
Social workers are assigned to inpatient units and
outpatient clinics in the Medical Center. They are
there to help you cope with any problems that affect
your care. Our social workers have information
about community agencies and resources that may
be of help to you and your family. The social worker
can also help with post-hospital care such as counseling
or locating a care facility (community living center, adult
home, residential home). Tell your health care team
if you need to contact your social worker. They are
there to help enhance your treatment and maximize
recovery.
Military Order of the Purple Heart
The Military Order Of The Purple Heart is here for
all veterans. A National Accredited Service Officer
can help you with VA benefits (compensation,
pension, government insurance, education, GI loans,
vocational rehabilitation, or filing a disability claim).
If you need information or help, ask your health
care team to contact the Service Officer for you or
dial extension 54348.
Notary Public
A Notary Public is available through the Medical
Center. Contact your health care team if you need
this service. Family members should contact the
patient's social worker for assistance.
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: December 29, 2006 |
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