As a patient, it is always beneficial to receive care that is compassionate and individualized. But at the West Plains branch of the John J. Pershing Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, many of the staff members take that care to the next level by drawing on their own experiences as veterans.
Ten of the 48 staff members are veterans, including a nurse manager, a nurse practitioner, a doctor and a chiropractor. This shared background allows them to relate to the unique needs of the former and current military members receiving services there.
The facility currently serves 3,118 veterans across the region, including 2,828 men and 295 women. Of those patients, the VA classifies 85 as urban, 1,830 as rural and 1,207 as highly rural. While the clinic’s main hospital is in Poplar Bluff and veterans may choose to visit any VA clinic, the West Plains location offers convenience to area veterans, saving them the significant time and expense of traveling long distances for necessary medical care.
The VA clinic has been in operation locally for decades, steadily growing its equipment and services over those years. That growth will reach a major milestone this month with the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art facility at 1418 Doctors Drive, near the intersection of Bill Virdon Boulevard and the U.S. 63 bypass. The new building is 85% larger than the current clinic located off K Highway.
The occasion will be marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. Staff will transition to the new building on March 15 and 16, and the first day of patient care at the new location will be March 18, according to VA officials.
In addition to existing services, the new clinic will introduce several new treatment options: whole health services, tele-caregiver support, battlefield acupuncture, tele-neurology and Cardio Vet remote heart care. Chiropractic service will also be expanded, and the new facility will feature a full gym for physical therapy treatment.
“As an Army veteran who uses VA health care myself, I am deeply committed to the well-being of veterans in the West Plains area,” said Medical Center Director Kevin Bass. “We're thrilled to move into this new, state-of-the-art facility and continue providing you with the exceptional care you deserve. Our dedicated staff is excited to welcome you to our new clinic, and we are confident this beautiful facility will enhance your experience and meet your health care needs.”
STAFF / KIMBERLY LANGSTON
