VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Situation Update

As of Thursday, May 7, 2020 5:38 PM EDT

As communities begin the transition to relax limitations that helped slow the spread of COVID-19, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is working to expand services at our Medical Center campus and our other off-site clinic locations. These efforts will align with federal, state and local guidance and will focus on the continued safety of our employees and Veterans.

Effective May 7, 2020, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System will be operating under the following layers of protection for all (Veterans, staff, trainees, volunteers, inpatient residents, and visitors) who come to VA Ann Arbor facilities.  The layers of protection for all include: 

• All individuals MUST wear appropriate face masks while on our campuses and in our off-site clinic locations; health care providers will wear appropriate issued personal protective equipment (PPE). Any Veteran who needs a mask while being at the Medical Center or any of our off-site clinics will be provided a mask.

• Entry point screenings are required for all the enter the Medical Center and off-site clinic locations

• Virtual visits are encouraged, please contact your Primary Care or Mental Health Provider.

• Cleaning of high-touch surfaces in our facilities

• Increased physical distancing in common areas like waiting rooms, Canteen and retail stores

• The Medical Center is not allowing visitors/general public into our facilities except for those directly assisting or caring for a Veteran to include any end of life care.

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call us at 734-845-5290 (press 2) before visiting us. For other concerns, you may be able to access VA care from home by phone or using VA virtual care options.  Veterans needing pharmacy refills should dial 866-316-9350 (press 1).  For those needing to speak to a medical provider regarding routine medical concerns, please call 734-769-7100. 

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Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, our community clinics in Jackson and Flint, Toledo, OH, and the Green Road and Packard Road Clinics in Ann Arbor will be supplying triage and virtual care only. At these locations, routine appointments will be converted to virtual care, as appropriate. 
 
Visitor restrictions are in effect at ALL VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System facilities. Help us limit the spread of COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses to our Veterans and your loved ones.

The following visitation safeguards are currently in place:

• Visitors/guests are not allowed in any site of care.

• Outpatients should come to VA appointments alone.

• Only patients will be permitted inside our facility for any reason.  The ONLY exception is for end-of-life visitation.

• No one under the age of 18 is permitted.

• We will use telecommunications and video conferencing to include family members in medical decision-making.

• Entrances to all VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System facilities will be limited; staff are screening people for symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat before entry.

• Any sick patients must put on a mask immediately upon entering any VAAAHS facility (ask staff for assistance).

All are reminded to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after appointments.

Exceptions may be made for visitors of patients to include those who are in critical condition or in end-of-life situations. 

Additional policies restricting visitors may be put in place on certain specialty units or as conditions warrant.

Veterans - call VA Ann Arbor at 734-845-5290 press option 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment.

• Please check the VAAAHS Current Operating Status page for current information and check our Facebook page for updated information. 

• Sign up to receive updates on the VAAAHS main webpage under "CONNECT WITH VA ANN ARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM".

CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is prepared to care for patients arriving with respiratory illnesses, and plans are in effect to ensure ongoing preparedness to care for any Veterans suspected of having or confirmed with the newly named COVID-19.

VAAAHS is actively participating with state and local public health authorities and health systems across local area to coordinate a regional response. The goal is to contain the spread of the virus.

The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is the same as we prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses: Practice good hand hygiene, observe respiratory etiquette (including by sneezing or coughing into your elbow rather than your hands), and stay home when ill.

With respect to patients and visitors, anyone with respiratory symptoms who thinks they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should first call ahead so that provisions can be made to minimize exposure of other patients.

WHO TO CALL?

Veterans, please use secure messaging on MyHealtheVet or call VA Ann Arbor at 734-845-5290 press 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment. 

HOW IT IS SPREAD

The virus is most likely spread like other respiratory viruses, so the care that you would normally take to avoid catching the flu is a good start for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, covering your cough or sneeze in your elbow and not your hands, and staying home when ill.

IF YOU FEEL SICK

If you have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever, and your symptoms are mild, we recommend that you stay at home. Remember that it is cold and flu season, so there are many possible causes of these symptoms. If your symptoms are more concerning, please call your primary health care provider (e.g., oncologist, cardiologist, etc.) before coming into a clinic, urgent care center or emergency room. Your primary care provider is your best resource for screening.

STAY AT HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK

• Get your flu shot

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and do hand hygiene.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Avoid unnecessary contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.

RESOURCES

CDC: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

CDC: Travel health notices

World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Stay connected to VAAAHS to receive up-to date information by signing up on the main VAAAHS webpage or follow us on Facebook.

If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact your provider at 734-845-5290 press 2 before making changes or cancelling an appointment, or relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team.