During a recent government meeting, officials from the El Paso VA outlined significant expansion plans aimed at improving healthcare access for veterans in southwest Texas and southern New Mexico. The discussions highlighted ongoing projects, including the eastside urgent care center expansion, which is currently in the procurement phase, with anticipated awards expected in the second or third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

The El Paso VA is actively addressing space constraints across its facilities, emphasizing that increased space will enable the hiring of more staff and the provision of additional services to veteran patients. The officials expressed optimism about upcoming projects, including the Northeast replacement project and a new initiative on the far east side, both expected to see progress in fiscal year 2025.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the El Paso VA reported a notable decrease in wait times for primary care and mental health services. The introduction of same-day access for primary care has been particularly successful, allowing veterans to receive timely care for non-acute issues. This initiative, launched in December, has seen a positive response, with officials encouraging veterans to utilize this service.

The meeting also addressed the importance of patient feedback through mail-out surveys, which are sent to a percentage of veterans who have recently completed appointments. Officials stressed the significance of these surveys in identifying areas for improvement and enhancing the overall patient experience. They urged veterans to participate, regardless of whether their experiences were positive or negative, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of patient needs.

Overall, the El Paso VA is committed to enhancing healthcare delivery for veterans, focusing on expanding facilities, improving access, and actively seeking patient feedback to refine their services.