Wednesday, January 28, 2015

VA expantion too fast?

If you have been to the Jerry L Pettis VA Hospital in Lomalinda lately, you will have noticed alot of construction. They just finished construction on the new "Valor" building for Behavioral health. That building officialy opened in December. Other projects include a staff elevater for patiant gurneys. Also a new outpatiant pharmacy is also in the works. Meanwhile, more and more parking spaces are being taken away from an already tapped out parking lot. One of the biggest complaints patiants have is parking or the lack there of. It currently takes patiants approximently 30 to 45 minates to find a place to park on site. The VA does offer parking lot shuttle service. So far the VA is expanding buildings but not parking spaces to accomodate the extra buildings. Another complaint heard by the vets is the lack of wheelchairs when needed. Often times all the wheelchairs are being used by 10am. There are good side to expanding. The VA is attempting to accomadate the growing number of veterans ageing from vietnam, and those comeing back from Iraq and Afganastan. This week the Veterans Administration chief is in town to inspect the hospital as well as take veterans suggestions in a town hall meeting.