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Bath VA Medical Center Hospital Staff
Patient Advocate
If you have a concern, do not hesitate to ask for help from anyone on your health care team. If you are not satisfied or need more assistance, please contact the Patient Advocate. The Patient Advocate specializes in helping veterans and their families get answers and solve problems. The Patient Advocate is located on the second floor of the hospital, in room 217, extension 44797 or (607) 664-4797.
Complaints and Concerns
Each facility has their own procedure for complaints and concerns. Generally you can address your concerns with the manager or supervisor of that area. If you are not satisfied, we encourage you to work with the Patient Advocate at the facility. The Patient Advocate is there to help you and your family resolve any issues you may have. After working with the Patient Advocate, if you feel your issue is still unresolved, we encourage you to contact any member of our Management staff for assistance.
Joint Commission
The Joint Commission evaluates health care organizations for safety and quality of care. If you or your family has a concern, you have the right to contact the Joint Commission at any time. You will need to summarize your complaint in one to two pages and include the complete name and address of the health care organization. You may submit your name and contact information or submit your complaint anonymously. Providing your name and contact information enables the Joint Commission to inform you about the actions taken in response to your complaint and also to contact you should additional information be needed the Joint Commission Office of Quality Monitoring. For information on submitting a complaint, please read the Joint Commission Public Notice.
Veterans Benefits Counselors
Veterans Benefits Counselors are assigned to the Medical Center to help you with compensation, pension, government insurance, education, GI loans, and vocational rehabilitation. If you need information or assistance, ask your ward clerk or health care team member to contact the Veterans Benefits Counselor for you. You may also call the national toll free number at 1-800-827- 1000. A New York State Veterans Benefits Counselor is available on the first floor of building 38 (next to the Medical Center Chapel), Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at extension 43503 or (607) 776-7455.
Women Veterans Coordinator
The Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) is a health care professional sensitive to the needs of women veterans. Specific concerns related to care, including issues of privacy, safety, and comfort for women in the VA Health Care System should be referred to the WVPM at (607) 664-4892.
Minority Veterans Program Coordinator
The Minority Veterans Coordinator focuses on the needs of minority veterans. The coordinator serves African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Island Americans.
Please contact the Minority Program Coordinator at (607) 664-3686 or ask your ward clerk to help you contact the Minority Program Coordinator if you have any questions about VA programs, benefits and services for minority veterans.
Visually Impaired Service Coordinator
Patients with visual impairments will be referred for visually impaired services. The Visually Impaired Services Coordinator will link eligible patients with the Visually Impaired benefits to which they are entitled. Visually Impaired patients that are hospitalized are entitled to visually impaired prosthetics. The coordinator also provides follow-up for visually impaired patients after discharge from the Medical Center. For more information, contact the Visually Impaired Service Coordinator at extension 44632 or (607) 664-4632 or through your health care team.
Social Work Assistance
Social workers are assigned to all inpatient wards and outpatient teams in the Medical Center. They are available to help you with personal or family problems. Our social workers have valuable information regarding community agencies and resources that may be of help to you and your family. The social worker also helps those in need with special post-hospital care plans, arranging for community services and preparing you for your discharge. your health care team for the social worker assigned to your area or call:
- (607) 664-4300 if you are a Behavioral Health Outpatient
- (607) 664-4342 if you are a Domiciliary Care Patient
- (607) 664-4508 if you are a Geriatrics & Extended Care Patient
- (607) 664-4631 if you are a Medical Care Patient
Notary Public
A Notary Public is available at the Medical Center. Contact your health care team if you need this service.
Sexual Trauma Counselors
As a veteran (women and men), you may have experienced a sexual trauma while on active duty. Since trauma is isolating and leaves you feeling disconnected and different from others, sharing your experiences and feelings with support people can help. Your health care team can help you cope with the effects of a trauma experience and help you to regain your confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. For more information, contact the Sexual Trauma Counselor at Extension 44300 or 1-800-827-1000.
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