Took Dad to his 6 month checkup at the VA clinic up North today. After all the horror stories I have been reading, I must say it was a bit of a shock to find it a great experience.
We got there early, and they took dad right in. He was treated with nothing but kindness during the whole process. His Doc is young, smart as a whip, and funny. Dad loves him! The nurses were young, professional, and took dad's putting the make on them with laughter and kindness.
Dad had to have lab work done, and I thought that part would be difficult & lengthy. Not so, it is setup in a system that works, swiftly and efficiently, and again with friendliness.
I had a bunch of lab work done recently at a chain lab. It was a nightmare of crazy people, impatient staff, and hurry up and wait, and wait. One of those times when I would have felt much easier had the little Sig been with me.
There where a lot of patients at the VA clinic today. There were no crazies. Everyone, from other patients to staff where friendly and helpful.
As we were leaving I asked dad if it was always like that. He looked at me and said "Yes, it's always like that. Now, I'd like to go play a couple of hands of poker at the casino before you take me home. I cleaned'm out on my computer (poker game) last night."
Your dad sounds like a real treasure!
ReplyDeleteThe VA has always been very much of a mixed bag. Some locations work well, great staff, etc. Nationwide, there have been over 1,000 deaths due to neglect. My experience was less than positive, which is why I don't go there.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on where you go I guess. I hear the one near me is great too. Maybe I'll find out one day.
ReplyDeleteI have taken guy friends to the VA several times in different states and it has always been a pleasant experience. I was afraid they had slipped a lot in the years after the recent awful publicity and was pleased that you had such a great experience with your Dad.
ReplyDeleteHope he did well at the casino.
GRANNYMAR: He is, and has a fighter pilot mentality.
ReplyDeleteLL: Sorry you didn't have a good experience. One is too many to lose.
ODIE: As LL said, it seems to depend on which one you go to. They all "should" be great!
ARKANSAS PATTI: Good to know this is not the only one. I think he's been there before...the dealer, pit boss,& cocktail waitress called him by his nickname...