A $14 million cooperative venture between the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Department of Veterans Affairs will bring much-needed ambulatory surgical care to veterans in southern Colorado.
The program calls for the VA to provide seven registered nurses, two technicians, three nurse anesthetists and surgeons to the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based academy. They will join the academy's 19 active duty surgeons, plus academy nurses and technicians. The joint operation will also include services to families.
Funded by the Department of Defense and VA's Joint Incentive Fund, the program will enable veterans to undergo needed medical procedures for urology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, ear, nose and throat and general surgery beginning May 1.
"It's all about the vets," said Col. Leslie Ness, the 10th Surgical Operations Squadron administrator. "The biggest thing is that our veterans don't have to travel long distances."
She stressed the additional medical services on base will also alleviate long waits for procedures. Previously, such services were limited to facilities in Denver, and veterans from southern Colorado were forced to travel for surgical care and procedures.
Plans originally called for construction of a new building to house the surgical services, but Ness said the costs proved prohibitive. Medical staff from the academy and the VA will now work together as one team.
Before the 10th Medical Group underwent changes under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act, the facility had five operating rooms, but two were converted for other uses. With the expansion of services to veterans, the two rooms will once again be put to use.
Medical services will continue at the downtown Spruce Street VA facility in Colorado Springs, and the VA will verify eligibility and make referrals for ambulatory surgical services.
"It will preserve the longevity of ambulatory surgery here in southern Colorado," Ness said. "It has been a Herculean task, but in the end, our VA beneficiaries and tax payers will reap the huge benefits with this project."
The staff additions will allow surgical operations to operate independently, even with deployments and down times.