Page 19 - Desert Oracle May 2022

SAVAHCS Director’s Report:

May 2022
LOCAL UPDATE

SAVAHCS/VA Updates
• Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Health Care Inspection Program (CHIP) Survey
of the SAVAHCS took place on March 21-25: The CHIP reviewed the quality of SAVAHCS care
provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The review also covered key clinical and administrative
processes that are associated with promoting quality care.
o The OIG CHIP review provided us with some opportunities for improvements, and they were also
impressed with many of our programs, services, and processes.
o The inspection showcased SAVAHCS staff commitment and dedication in serving Veterans.
o The final OIG CHIP report will be released publicly and will be shared on a future monthly
director’s report.
• SAVAHCS Associate Director of Patient Care Services (ADPCS), Dr. Kerri B. Wilhoite was
appointed as VISN 22 ADPCS on April 25 - Dr. Cassandra Valdez is acting SAVAHCS ADPCS. She
has served at the SAVAHCS in the past as the Deputy ADPCS.
• Executive Leadership Team (ELT) offices have temporarily moved to Building 1A due to a
remodeling project in Building 1. The ELT and their administrative support staff will be in Building 1A
for approximately one year.
• The SAVAHCS honored Arizona Western College (AWC) on April 20 in Yuma for their support of
the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic that was held on March 27, 2021. SAVAHCS staff was able to vaccinate
over 400 Veterans in three hours at the AWC Schoening Conference Center. We could not have provided
the lifesaving vaccines without the support of the AWC event planning staff.
• SAVAHCS volunteers honored virtually during National Volunteer Week, April 17-23. Volunteers
were highlighted every day on the SAVAHCS social media sites for the week. The SAVAHCS has
amazing volunteers that serve our Veterans with dedication every day. If you or someone you know is
interested in becoming a volunteer at the SAVAHCS, please contact our Center for Development and
Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office at 520-629-1822.
• The SAVAHCS Advanced Care Planning Team celebrated National Healthcare Decisions Day on
April 13 by hosting resource tables at the Tucson VA Medical Center highlighting the importance
of advanced healthcare planning. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about
advanced directives, please call 520-792-1450 ext. 1-2520.
• SAVAHCS Experience Week, May 2-6: The weeklong celebration in the beginning of May will have
activities that showcase our amazing Veterans, employees, and caretakers. Staff will have the
opportunity to contribute to a COVID-19 time capsule, which will feature the SAVAHCS staff contributions
and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The time capsule will be opened in 50 years.
• As a reminder SAVAHCS Patient Advocate Office is in Building 2, Room S100. For Patient Advocate
Services, please call 520-629-4933.
• COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations continue to trend downward- Both Veteran and
SAVAHCS staff COVID-19 cases are rapidly declining.
• Veterans can still use the latest technology to connect with their health care teams. Veterans that
have questions on how to use virtual technology, please have them reach out to their primary care team.
o Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans may receive care at home, either over
the phone or via video using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or
tablets. 18 years and older. visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect or call your primary
care team to learn more.