United States Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Bath VA Medical Center Hospital Services

Veterans Service Center (VSC)
The Veterans Service Center (VSC) is located on the fifth floor of the hospital. The VSC provides one-stop services for veterans who need to update their insurance, home address, financial information, means-testing etc. If you have a question about an inpatient or outpatient co-payment billing, the VSC staff will help answer your questions. Veterans' benefits counseling is also be available. Health Administration Clerks and Eligibility Clerks are located in the VSC area. They provide information about veteran's eligibility, outpatient care and appointments. Veterans may apply for routine care by phoning (607) 664-4898. Veterans needing same day appointments should phone (888) 838-7890. Patient Funds hours are 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. in Section 4 and 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the VSC. Pharmacy Services
Inpatient Pharmacy: The VA has its own pharmacy. Our pharmacists work with hospital staff as a part of your health care team. Only prescriptions written by Bath VA doctors can be filled. You will be given drug information about any new medication. Pharmacists provide medication information such as dosage and possible side effects, or make suggestions for different drugs to best treat your condition. They are there to review your medications with you before you are discharged from the hospital. Any medication you are going to take home will be sent to your ward. Your nurse will tell you about your medications before you leave.

Outpatient Pharmacy: The VA outpatient pharmacy service is available to veteran patients who are not using the TRICARE health plan. TRICARE patients must use a TRICARE approved pharmacy. The pharmacy is located on the hospital's first floor, room 160. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Refill Policy
Your doctor decides how many times we can fill the prescription. Most prescriptions are for 90 days with one refill. This will give you a 6-month supply. You can ask for refills by mail or in person. We do not automatically refill prescriptions. If you wish to receive your prescription through the mail, please mail us the refill slip as soon as you go home. Your prescription will then be kept in our computer until it is time for your refills.

Pastoral Care and Services
The mission of the VA Chaplain is to provide religious care to all patients and their families. VA care utilizes a holistic approach that offers pastoral support for the seriously ill, the terminally ill, as well as bereavement counseling. The chapel is available daily 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Chaplains may be contacted through a member of your health care team.

Protestant
Sunday:
9:00 a.m – Union Chapel, Bldg. 39
10:30 a.m. – Community Living Center, Bldg. 78, Rm 126

Catholic
Sunday:
10:30 AM – Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Bldg. 38
2:00 PM – Community Living Center, Bldg. 78, Rm 126

Monday – Thursday:
11:30 AM – Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Jewish
By special request.

Muslim
A Muslim Prayer Room is available in the Community Living Center, building 78.

Voluntary Service
The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) is a program that provides opportunities for individuals and community groups to voluntarily give their time and resources to benefit hospitalized veterans.

VAVS volunteers visit the wards daily. They assist with transportation to tests, shopping, letter writing, and other personal services. In special circumstances, VAVS provides toiletries and comfort items to those patients in need. The goal of the VAVS is to provide these and other services to you to make your hospital stay more comfortable.

Please contact the voluntary service staff if you are interested in donating items or becoming a volunteer. DAV Transportation
The Bath DAV Transportation Network is available to transport veterans to medical appointments at the Bath VA Medical Center. There are two transportation networks that provide rides for veterans who would otherwise be unable to reach the Bath VA Medical Center. Veterans in the Hornell and Wellsville area can reserve space on the van by calling the Transportation Coordinator at (607) 664- 4780. Veterans in the Elmira area should call the DAV Transportation Coordinator at (607) 735-0583. Schedulers may need to be notified two weeks prior to your appointment as space may be limited.

Veterans Canteen Service Cafeteria and Retail Store
The Canteen Cafeteria offers a varied menu including daily specials. The hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the domiciliary and from 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the hospital. The cafeteria is closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Patients on restricted diets should not eat in the canteen or from the vending machines. The Canteen Office is located in the Retail Store in Building 35. They can be reached at (607) 664-4872 or extension 44872. The cafeteria facilities are located on the third floor in the hospital and in section 3 of the domiciliary.

Canteen Retail Stores
Canteen Retail Stores are located next to each of the cafeterias. These stores offer retail sales, newspapers, laundry and dry-cleaning drop-off, and a wide range of catalogue services. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the domiciliary and 10:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. in the hospital. The retail store is closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

Canteen Books
Canteen Books are available for patients to use during their hospital stay. They can be purchased in the Canteen Retail Stores. They can be used in the food court, retail store, and for barber services. Patients and families are encouraged to purchase the books instead of keeping money at the bedside. Some patients require financial assistance to meet their needs as an inpatient. Donated canteen books may be available for inpatients requiring extra financial assistance. Information is available through your social worker. Canteen Barbershop Services
Canteen Barbershop Services are located in the Recreation building and on the third floor of the hospital. Canteen chits must be bought for barber services. These are available at the Veterans Canteen Retail Store. Barbershop hours and locations can be requested at the Canteen Retail Store. Barbering services are available on the wards for inpatients. Please see your ward clerk to schedule these services.

Canteen Vending Machines
Canteen Vending Machines are located on the third floor of the hospital, in the Recreation Leisure Room, outside the dining hall and between sections 4 and 5 in the domiciliary.

Patient Education:
A Veteran Patient's Computer Center is open at various times Sunday - Wednesday and Friday and Saturday. Current times are posted on the door or can be requested by calling Voluntary Service. The Center is located in building 35, room 304. The Center is staffed with computer literate volunteers who are able to assist with numerous computer skills. The Computer Center offers opportunities to complete school assignments, learn how to type, work on the computer, e-mail or surf the Internet. Self-help tutorials are also available. All work is individualized. Closed Circuit Television
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is available to all clinics and at each bedside. In addition to regular TV programming, a first run movie channel (Channel 14) and health information channel (Channel 15) are available to you 24 hours a day.

Health Touch Kiosk
The Health Touch Kiosk is an interactive education center. It provides current information on medications, disease topics, health and lifestyle issues, foot health, skin, hair care, nail care, nutrition, weight control, and healthy recipes. The system features a unique, interactive, touch system that is easy-to-use. Information is available in English and Spanish. Health Touch is located in the outpatient pharmacy waiting area on the hospital's first floor.

Internet Information (World Wide Web)
Internet Information is available by visiting www.visn2.va.gov/ Our web site is updated often and provides a variety of resources. Patient Education Resource Directory
A Patient Education Resource Directory is available to members of your health care team who have access to a computer terminal. The Patient Education Resource Directory lists all of the written information available for patients to take home. Please ask our staff to conduct a health education resource search if you need any written materials to meet your health care informational needs.

Absentee Voting
Absentee Voting can be performed during hospitalization. Veteran patients who are expecting an extended admission and are registered voters can get assistance from the social worker to apply for an absentee ballot. The procedure must be started a few weeks prior to Election Day.

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) is available at the Medical Center. The TDD equipment is located in the Audiology Clinic, room 202 of the hospital. Information and training regarding the TDD is available.

Interpreter Services
Interpreter Services for deaf and speech-impaired veterans are available. Please contact your health care team to arrange for interpreter assistance.