New Mobile Unit Coming for VA

Posted by Tom Breen

on Apr 09, 2014

   Our speaker today was Kevin Whittaker from the Canandaigua VA Center, a nurse case manager with the Canandaigua VA. He came to tell us about a new resource for coming soon for area veterans.
   The VA has recently purchased a 35-foot RV, which is being equipped to go out in the communities and provide remote medical evaluations and services in Ontario, Seneca, Yates, Wayne, and Monroe counties. This mobile unit will be able to provide behavioral health screening as well as audiology and PT evaluation. In addition, the unit can serve as a lab/draw station for blood testing.
   Available by appointment, all services will be done through tele-health. A secure internet link-up will enable doctors and patients to “meet” via video conference to discuss cases and treatments. Diagnostic exams can be conducted remotely, and treatments prescribed.
   The mobile unit will see patients by appointment only; it is not for urgent or emergency care. It is currently in the planning stages still. Mr. Whittaker tells us the plan is for the unit to be available one day per week in each of the five counties served. That is subject to change, however, as demand is measured. It may turn out that one county might need the unit twice a week, while another county may be adequately served every other week.
   Delivery of the new mobile unit is expected in mid-June. After staff orientation and training, they hope to begin service with appointments sometime in July.