Fayetteville VA emergency room to temporarily shut down
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Officials announced Thursday the Fayetteville VA Emergency Department is temporarily shutting down, and turning into an urgent care facility.
They say the move is related to a shortage of ER physicians, as reported by ABC 11 last week.
"The bottom line is that we don't have enough staff to provide some of these services, and this is not a secret," said Jeffrey Melvin, spokesman for the Fayetteville VA. "People say it's a scandal, but again this is VA-wide."
There have been times over the past several months when a doctor was not assigned to the emergency department during certain hours, causing dismay among veterans.
Last week, the Fayetteville VA Chief of Staff told Eyewitness News that trouble with an old contractor had caused the doctor shortage, but beginning October 1, a new contract would be in place providing 24/7 physician care in the ER.
Melvin said Thursday, it was never as "cut and dry" as the issues being resolved Oct. 1. He said new physicians are being credentialed, but he would not elaborate on what's delaying their availability.
Officials said starting Friday, the urgent care clinic will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No timeline was given for when the facility might reopen as a full emergency room.
"We want to make sure we get this right," said Melvin. "The primary reason we want to make sure we're doing this is for the safety of the veterans.
"We don't want anyone to, God-forbid, head to this clinic and find out that it's closed."
Melvin said other functions of the Fayetteville VA medical center would continue uninterrupted.
"Bottom line is we're doing a wonderful job with what we have to work with," he said. "And veterans should not fear if they come here they're not going to get good care."
"The Fayetteville VAMC has traditionally relied on local community hospitals as health partners and will continue to collaborate closely with these hospitals to assure that our patients receive seamless care when we are not able to serve them at our facility," said Elizabeth Goolsby, Medical Center Director in a statement. "Ensuring high quality care is always at the forefront of facility decisions and this change will ensure that Veterans continue to receive the high quality care they have earned and deserve."
Officials said all veterans who come to the Urgent Care Center will be triaged and given the appropriate care, but the center is not accepting ambulances, which are being directed to local hospitals instead.
Emergency directors at both Cape Fear Valley and Womack Army Medical Centers expect minimal impact to their operations, in part because of the volume of veterans who already use their emergency rooms.
Dr. Michael Zappa, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Cape Fear Valley Health said their facilities staffing can handle any additional patients that come through ED doors.
"We will further evaluate our EMS staffing levels, however, in case there is an increased need for patient transport resources," Zappa added in a statement.
It is unclear how the influx of patients may affect Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Cumberland County emergency services and Womack Army Medical Center. Inquiries have been placed with the facilities. Depending on a veteran's eligibility, coverage for the care provided may be covered.
Joseph Edwards said he just wants what he was promised when he signed up for the Navy -- good medical care.
Edwards said he always trusted the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville until Sept. 2 when he went to the VA's Emergency Dept. and was told there was no doctor on duty at the time
"The heart rate was 150 beats per minute, which is real high," said Edwards. "When I got there, the guy said, 'We don't have a doctor till 8 p.m. tonight."
After waiting five hours, Edwards was finally seen by a VA doctor. By the time they left, Edward's wife, Nancy, said the ER waiting room was packed.
"Everyone that was sent away during the day were told to come back at 8 p.m., plus new patients, who came in at 8 pm," said Nancy. "The one and only doctor there at 8 p.m. was absolutely bombarded."
Edwards said he is now worried about seeking medical treatment at the Fayetteville VA.
"Yes, until they show that they have done something about it," said Edwards. "Yes, I'm very concerned about the health, not just for me, but other vets too."
In an email statement to ABC11, Sen. Kay Hagan said: "It is unacceptable that veterans needing care have been turned away from the Fayetteville VAMC Emergency Department because of staffing issues. I have been actively working with the VA to address this issue since the situation was brought to my attention. I believe that bringing in a new contractor is a step in the right direction, but the situation never should have gotten to this point, and I will continue to monitor this closely to ensure the emergency room reopens quickly and is fully functional."
Meanwhile, the Fayetteville VA Medical Center is holding a town hall meeting at 3 p.m. Friday. Veterans are urged to attend .
All veterans who are having a medical emergency such as stroke or heart attack should call 911. If you are having an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack and are taken to another hospital by ambulance, have the hospital contact the local VA as soon as possible. The number for the local hospital to call is (800) 771-6106 ext 7002 or (800) 936-7540.
