Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 22, 1992                   TAG: 9203230174
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SELDOM HEARD COMPLAINT ABOUT CARE AT VAMC

I am a veteran, and as such have been closely associated with the Medical Center as a patient and volunteer for a number of years. As a patient, I received a critical eye operation that, if not done and done well, would have resulted in loss of sight in one eye. Since the operation my eye, with treatment, has functioned normally.

I also have served as a volunteer at the Medical Center. Periodically, I have done detailed surveys with patients after they received medical care to determine their opinion of their treatment. I can say truthfully that I have seldom heard a complaint. Most comments from patients indicate that they received satisfactory or better treatment.

To hear derogatory comments concerning the Medical Center is very distressing, because it indicates to the veteran who must use the facility that the medical care is inferior. Further, it creates apprehension with family members. Finally, it adversely affects the morale of the Medical Center employees, who are, for the most part, doing an excellent job.

No matter how well planning is done, the closing of old wards and movement to the new facility will create confusion and misunderstanding. Certainly, groups that have worked together as teams for years will need to be broken up and personnel placed in other assignments. No doubt, some personnel will be unhappy with their new assignments. Others will see new opportunities. That's life.

Regardless, the primary mission of the Medical Center is toward the satisfaction of veteran patients; and based on my observations, they are receiving excellent and compassionate care. JOSEPH G. JOHNSON JR. FINCASTLE