VA North Texas Health Care System

Latest news and updates:

Change in VA North Texas visitor policy beginning October 6, 2020

Beginning October 6, 2020, VA North Texas will allow one visitor per patient, at any one time. Each Veteran can have a list with 2 designated visitors (still only one at a time). Children under the age of 14 are not allowed. 

Details:

Both the Veteran and the visitor will abide by the universal mask/physical distancing requirements. Masks must be worn at ALL times (even while visiting Veterans in single patient rooms) and physical distancing must be maintained if they leave the Veterans room, and from other visitors and Veterans in cohabitated rooms/common areas.

In-Patient process for entry into the facility as visitor:

• Visitor will present to a designated entry door.
• Visitor will notify screener of the location of the Veteran they wish to visit.
• Screener will provide a phone number for the visitor to call to speak with the Charge Nurse of unit.
• Charge Nurse will speak to the screeners and inform them if that guest is permitted entry.
• Screener will then screen the visitor and provide them with a mask and wristband (both must be worn at all times while at the facility)
• Visitor must wear the hospital provided mask only--cloth masks are not allowed while visiting the veteran.
• Visitor will then proceed to the designated unit for visitation with the Veteran.
• Visitor must use hand sanitizer provided by the hospital or wash hands with soap and water immediately prior to entering the patient’s room and immediately after exiting the patient’s room.
• Visitor must follow any and all isolation precautions as applicable while visiting the patient’s room.
• After the visit, the guest should proceed out of the facility without stopping, gathering, or socializing with other Veterans, guests, or staff members.

 

Out-Patient visitor/caregiver rules:

• No changes in current out-patient visitor policy--NO VISITORS FOR OUTPATIENTS.
• ONE Caregiver allowed per Veteran. Caregiver is defined as one family member/driver for post procedural care. 
• Caregivers to assist Veteran who has PTSD, or is a MH patient. 
• A caregiver for Veterans who are unable to communicate effectively with their provider (including understanding directions/instructions). 
• A caregiver for teaching home care. 
• Caregiver for immobile Veterans (Wheelchair, Blind, or other disability).

 

Note: Please remember that visitor access is at the discretion of the unit Charge Nurse. The Charge Nurse will be responsible for maintaining a list of designated visitors. Any exceptions related to patient condition will be determined by the charge nurse. Screeners will not make that determination.

Please address all questions to NTXEmergencyManagement@va.gov.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Veterans, if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, call us at 1-888-252-9970 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.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) recognizes that caregivers play a critical role in caring for Veterans every day, and even more so now, in the time of COVID-19. Please click here for tip sheet.

NEW SHUTTLE SERVICE

VA North Texas Health Care System – Voluntary Services has a new shuttle service for the Dallas VAMC, Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center and Fort Worth locations.

Click here for more information.

Click here to download the mobile app.

Click here to see each shuttle location and the next arrival time here.  or text ARRVL to 41411

Learn more »