Situation Update - VA Caribbean Healthcare System

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 05/09/2020 11:40 AM EDT

VA Caribbean Healthcare System Update
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VA Caribbean
Healthcare System Update

  
 
 
 
   

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS
 
 
Situation Update - VA Caribbean Healthcare System
05/09/2020 10:34 AM EDT

The VA Caribbean Healthcare System will begin testing Veterans for COVID-19 at its clinics located in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Testing will be done by appointment only, Mondays at the St. Croix VA Clinic and Wednesdays at the St. Thomas VA Clinic.  Veterans residing in the Unites States Virgin Islands will be contacted to inform of their appointment date. 

As communities begin the transition to relax limitations that helped slow the spread of COVID-19, the VA Caribbean Healthcare System is working to expand 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)
  • No Visitations; 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 VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is still the best, first contact before visiting our facilities. Staff are available 24/7 for nurse advice and triage, health chat and more. Contact us at: 1-877-741-3400

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

In the next few weeks, we will resume elective procedures. 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.

CDC Website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html VA COVID Information: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus/

A Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) Mental Health Clinic has been deployed to provide service to Veterans. The mobile unit is located in the San Juan VA Medical Center by the Outpatient Building.

The Pharmacy Emergency Refill Program (also known as Heritage Contract) has been extended through May 15, 2020 for the USVI. Under this Emergency Activation a patient can take an active, last filled within 180 days and with remaining refills, VA prescription bottle written by an authorized VA provider employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to any retail pharmacy and receive a 30 day supply under this emergency activation excluding controlled substances”. Patient must present a valid ID. 

In accordance with Puerto Rico Governor’s Executive Order 2020-033 and effective immediately the VA Caribbean Healthcare System will require all persons entering our facility grounds at the San Juan VA Medical Center and clinics in Puerto Rico will be required to cover their mouth and nose with a mask or scarf made of fabric or other materials. The Safety of our Veterans and staff is paramount as we continues to provide medical care to our Veterans amidst this historic COVID-19 pandemic.

Veterans needing emergency care should immediately visit the Emergency Department of the San Juan VAMC (Hospital de Veteranos), should call 911; or visit the nearest open emergency room.

All VACHS facilitates are conducting comprehensive screening to all Veterans and staff who present with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath who meet the CDC criteria for evaluation of COVID-19 infection. Per CDC guidance and VA protocols, individuals known to be at risk for a COVID-19 infection are immediately isolated to prevent potential spread to others. The use of hand sanitizer is a mandated requirement to enter facilities.

There are sufficient supplies on hand including personal protective equipment (PPE) for all Veterans & employees to ensure safe delivery of care. Issue and use of PPE is in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

The Ponce and Mayaguez Outpatient Clinic have implemented Drive-thru pharmacies to facilitate the pick-up medications by our Veterans

VA Caribbean Healthcare System reports all COVID-19 related data to State and Federal authorities following Public Health protocols. Learn more by selecting the following links:


Hospital Operations:

-Emergency Department: Open, regular hours
-Hospital Visiting Hours: Visitation Hours are suspended until further notice (exceptions may be made for end-of-life situations)

Outpatient Clinics Operations:

-Outpatient clinics are open.  Most of the appointments are being done by phone or video conference using “VA Video Connect”. Help us transition your care by visiting the Video on Demand webpage for usage guidelines: https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-chat  You will be contacted a few days before your scheduled appointment by your care team to discuss your options. When clinically indicated your appointment will be done face-to-face. Contact us before coming to your appointment at 1-877-737-8820 or you can also contact the VISN8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400.

 
Pharmacy:

Veterans are exhorted to request medication refills by using one of the following options:

-By Phone:  Call 1-877-737-8820 and follow instructions.
-Online/Internet: Visit My HealtheVet at http://www.myhealth.va.gov/  
-By Mail: Send mail refill form to:  VA Caribbean Healthcare System (119), Casia 10, San Juan PR 00921.
-IMPORTANT:  Veterans without refills or have questions about a prescription should call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 immediately.

Transportation Services:

-Veterans Transportation Service from the Outpatient Clinics to the San Juan VAMC (Hospital de Veteranos) is being coordinated on case by case basis, emphasizing continued access to care to those Veterans with urgent needs.

Additional Resources: