Page 18 - Desert Oracle February 2022

Stakeholder Update
February 2022

Staff Changes

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• Ms. Gurga was selected as the Kansas VA Medical Center Director effective February 13 ,
2022.
• Mr. Sample will remain as the Interim Medical Center Director until the new Medical Center
Director has been appointed.
• Mr. Steve Woods served as the Acting Associate Director in August 2021 through January
2022.
• Mr. Shannon Wasielewski was appointed the Acting Associate Director effective January 25 .
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COVID-19 Update (as of February 5 ):
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• Due to the increase of positive COVID-19 patients in the area, we have the following
precautions in place:
o NAVAHCS is requesting Veterans utilize VA Video Connect (VVC) for routine care
appointments. This includes Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Providers
will determine if a face-to-face appointment is clinically necessary
o Primary Care Teams will contact Veterans to change their face-to-face appointment to a
VVC appointment. Veterans can also use secure messaging through MyHealtheVet or
call 928-445-4860 to schedule their virtual appointment
o Masks must be worn at all times
o Please do not come on station unless you have a scheduled appointment, or an
emergency
o Please DO NOT come to the Emergency Department just for a COVID-19 test
o If you have COVID-19 questions, start by calling the Nurse Advice Line at 1-877-
252-4866
 They may assist with finding a testing site in your area if needed
o Veterans can order 4 free at home COVID tests through the link: covidtests.gov
o Nobody under the age of 18 is authorized at the medical center or clinics
o Only 1 caregiver is authorized to accompany a Veteran on their appointment

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Inpatient Visitation Policy Update (as of February 5 ):

• Due to the increase of positive COVID cases in the area:
o All visits must be pre-approved
o Visitors must check-in with staff at their prescribed time slot
o Only 1 visitor at a time and only for a limited amount of time