Dayton VA Medical Center Dx: Chronic Burnout

I went to visit the Dayton Veteran Administration Medical Center, today.

I had not been to visit the Dayton VA Medical Center since the had to close their dental clinic to test patients who had possibly  been exposed to Aids and Hepatitis by a dentist who rarely changed his gloves in the course of seeing multiple patients.

The press coverage did report that there had been a thorough house-cleaning of the administrative and clinical staff whose dedicated political correctness escalaqted to dereliction.  But I was interested in ascertaining the attitudes of the staff members who represent the “Face of the Dayton Veterans’ Medical Center” toward the average veteran seeking help.

My first surprise was that there had been a marked increase in the amount of automobile parking.  New lots, crowd control fences, etc—more than ever required before.  The long walk to the front door was rewarded by my discovery that a new free valet parking service had been established to help ease access from the improved, and expanded parking areas.

Once inside, I checked out the Pharmacy area, Emergency Room and the Prime Care unit where the clinical medicine rubber meets the road.

I had a simple request and presented it to three staff members in those three areas.  Each staff member was courteous in handing me off to another department to possibly fulfill my request.  The Pharmacy was in error as to how my request would be expedited if I simply went to the emergency room and saw a physician to review my case.

The Emergency room sent me to Prime Care, where I learned that by waiting two or so more hours, the only physician on duty who could see me might be disposed to fulfilling my request.

I spent about an hour and three quarters getting to that final "no" and politely excusing myself to await my next appointment which I was informed was the soonest I could be seen, (failing a medical emergency) seven weeks hence.

There was no emotional affect expressed by any staff members, I encountered.  They were efficient in executing the algorithms that prescribe the flow of patients within the VA System—but there was precious little Milk of Human Kindness. 

I think the enlargement of the parking lots should have been the clue.  For whatever reason, these people are burned out.  Being helpful, kind or concerned is beyond their concept of what is required by their government sinecure.  I had the impression that the patients were seen by the staff as annoyances to be endured until quitting time.

Indeed, in Prime Care the only smile I observed was on the face of departing receptionist on her way out of the door going home.

If you want to see a Preview of the Coming Attractions of The Affordable Health Care Act- you can catch it, daily, throughout the Dayton Veterans Medical Center—but, believe me, this is one feature you’re going to want to skip.