Change in Inpatient Flow

As you are likely aware, there has been a significant rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the country in recent weeks, including here in Ross County.  In response, the Chillicothe VA Medical Center is adjusting our inpatient flow procedures accordingly. 

For most Veterans, including our current acute medical inpatients, they will notice no change.  However, new patients requiring acute medical care will be transferred to Dayton VAMC, Wright Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center and Cincinnati VAMC as capacity and medical need dictate.  This will allow the Chillicothe VA to focus our resources and staff on our most vulnerable Veterans, such as those in our Community Living Center.

While this adjustment to our inpatient procedures is effective immediately, we will continuously reassess and adjust as needed.

Please contact the Public Affairs Office at 740-773-1141, extension 7080, if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your continued support of Veterans and the Chillicothe VA.

Screening Process

In an effort to protect the health of Veterans and visitors at the Chillicothe VA and Community Clinics, those accessing the VA will be screened for Coronavirus prior to admission onto campus. 

The North Entrance at the Chillicothe VA will be closed effective Monday, November 16 at Noon.  All incoming and outgoing traffic will use the South or West Gates.  Please allow yourself a few extra minutes for possible delays. 

Screening questions include:

• Have you experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 48 hours: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea?
• Within the past 14 days, have you been in close physical contact (6 feet or closer for at least 15 minutes) with a person who is known to have laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or with anyone who has any symptoms consistent with COVID-19?
• Are you currently waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test?

Individuals are encouraged to take every day preventative actions to avoid being exposed to the virus:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Please contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the above COVID-like symptoms.

Veterans, if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, call you healthcare provider before you visit your local medical center or clinic. In addition to calling first, consider using virtual care options such as telehealth or My HealtheVet Secure Messaging. Visitors, if you do not feel well, please postpone your visit. Read VA’s latest information on the new coronavirus at https://www.va.gov/coronavirus/. 

Beginning June 1, 2020, limited face to face services for routine care will be available in primary care, mental health and outpatient specialty services.  This includes services at the Community Based Outpatient Centers (CBOCs) in Athens, Cambridge, Lancaster, Marietta, Portsmouth, Wilmington.

To enhance safety, many waiting rooms have been modified to support social distancing and sneeze shields have been installed in many areas to reduce respiratory droplet exposure. We will continue to closely monitor coronavirus activity in the local community and the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and coronavirus testing materials to determine when we can safely expand services further. 

Anyone accompanying a Veteran to their appointments must be limited to those who are deemed medically necessary

Masks must be worn at all times while on the VA campus when social distancing is not possible.  The VA will provide a mask to Veterans who do not have one available to them.  Be aware that wearing a mask does not replace the practice of hand hygiene and every day preventative actions to avoid exposure to the virus:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you are sick or becoming sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol

Inpatient units continue to be closed to visitors until further notice

Moving forward together, we will continue to provide exceptional care to our Veterans.  Your trust in VA is paramount. Safe care is our mission and our continuing commitment to you.