Mar 23, 2020

VA Eastern Kansas increases precautions and procedures in response to COVID-19

Posted Mar 23, 2020 4:15 PM

The VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, which includes the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center, the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center and its eight (8) rural community-based clinics,including one in Junction City, has implemented increased precautions and procedures to protect their veteran patient population, staff and visitors.

Beginning today, March 23 at Noon, VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System is activating Tier-III COVID-19 procedures to include restricted access/entry onto our medical center campuses and 100% (patient and staff) screening.

They are restricting all non-patient visitors onto their campuses  (Topeka and Leavenworth). Exceptions may be made for visitors of patients who are in critical condition or in end-of-life situations on a case by case basis. For necessary outpatient and non-elective surgery patients, there is a one-person companion limit (No Children). If the accompanying individual shows flu-like symptoms, they will not be allowed onto the campus. 

Veterans enrolled for VA care who have symptoms of COVID-19, flu or colds (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) are asked to please call VA Eastern Kansas and select the option to speak to a nurse before visiting our facility. Tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel.

If you’re coming in for an absolutely necessary health care visit, call us at (785) 350-3111 ext. 54555 before your visit or send a secure message through My HealtheVet Secure Messaging—even if you have an appointment. You may be able to get diagnosed and receive care through VA telehealth without having to leave home. For those who have an appointment but perhaps feel well enough to delay the appointment and reschedule, we also ask you to call your team to do so.

If you must visit, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance of your appointment to allow additional time for the screening process and expect to answer simple screening questions.