image_pdfimage_print

The excellent quality of care our veteran patients receive at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is a result of the hard work and dedication of all our staff, volunteers and partners in the community. We are especially proud of the following accomplishments achieved this year:

  • WPB VA ranked #1 in our hospital complexity group of 33 level II VA facilities and #4 nationally across the VA system of 139 medical centers.
  • In January 2007, the Joint Commission conducted an unannounced triennial survey for the four accredited programs: Hospital, Long Term Care, Behavioral Health, and Home Health. A three-year accreditation was achieved for all programs.
  • In December 2007, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) conducted an accreditation survey of the Veteran’s Resource Center (Homeless Program). A three-year accreditation was achieved with commendations.
  • Received three-year approval by the Accreditation Commission on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to establish a joint Medical Residency Program with the University of Miami. The joint venture also involves Florida Atlantic University and JFK Medical Center. This is the first ACGME approved program in Palm Beach County’s history.
  • Implemented MRSA Initiative-Nasal swabbing to obtain cultures of patients began in the Intensive Care Units in March 2007. The Acute Care units began nasal swabbing on September 30, 2007. Appropriate hand cleaning is critical. The “Don’t Pass It On” Campaign is an important part of the initiative.
  • WPB VA Influenza Prevention Program was recognized as a “Best Practice” in the VA.
  • The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is the 2007 winner of the Making Mercury-Free Award after competing with over 130 facilities and being evaluated by a team of 30 reviewers. This is a prestigious national award that commends outstanding efforts to eliminate mercury from the health care system.
  • West Palm Beach VA has recently completed hurricane remedial projects which allow the Medical Center to be fully operational in the event of loss of utilities.
  • Opened a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Clinic in St. Lucie West to better serve our northern counties. In addition, expanded psychiatric services to all Community Based Outpatient Clinics and added additional positions in the areas of Suicide Prevention, Recovery Coordination and Geropsychology services for Home Based Primary Care.
  • West Palm Beach VA met targets for Emergency Room monitors established nationally by the VA. These include patients waiting for more than 6 hours and patients who left against medical advice or left without being seen.