Situation Update - Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

Charleston VA Medical Center Update
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Charleston VA Medical
Center Update

 
 
 
 
   

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

 
 
05/05/2020 03:57 PM EDT

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

As communities begin the transition to relax limitations that helped slow the spread of COVID-19, the Charleston VA is working to plan for expanding services at our medical center and clinics.  These efforts will align with federal, state and local guidance and will focus on the continued safety of our employees and patients.

Current layers of protection for Veterans and employees include: 

  • All individuals should wear appropriate face masks (cloth, surgical/generic) while on our campuses and in our facilities; health care providers will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Individuals entering a VA facility may use their own face covering.
  • Visitors are not allowed; virtual visits are encouraged
  • Entry point screenings
  • Expanded testing
  • Cleaning of high-touch surfaces in our facilities
  • Increased physical distancing in common areas like waiting rooms, Canteen and retail stores

If you are sick or have symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the VAMC Telephone Advice Program is still the best, first contact before visiting our facilities.  Staff are available 24/7 for nurse advice and triage.  Contact us at: 1-888-878-6884 or (843) 789-6400.

We continue to offer virtual access to care options. Learn more at www.connectedcare.va.gov/.

MUSC, VAMC drive-up testing for COVID-19

Veteran patients in the Charleston area experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may be referred from VA to the MUSC Health drive-through test site in the parking lot of the Citadel Mall campus for testing. Veteran patients in the Savannah, Hinesville or Myrtle Beach areas may be referred for drive-up testing at their VA Outpatient Clinic. Veteran patients should call the VA Telephone Advice Program at (843) 789-6400 for medical evaluation. VA patients who need to be tested will receive a testing appointment from either MUSC or their VA clinic, depending on their location. VA patients must present their VA ID at their testing appointment. This is not a self-select drive-through or walk-up service for anyone in the community who has a health concern; individuals who report to the site for specimen collection, but do not have a testing appointment will not be allowed to enter the testing site.

Moving Forward

In the next few weeks, we will resume normal operations and elective procedures in alignment with VA guidance.  Patients will be contacted directly by their provider to schedule the procedure. 

Moving forward together, we will provide updated information as it becomes available.  Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to you. 

More information on COVID-19 is available at: