Dallas VA Hospital Opens Suite For Vets With Brain Injuries
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center opened a new suite Monday for veterans with polytrauma and traumatic brain injury. The new suite features: physical and occupational therapy for amputees, vision and balance assessment, support groups and clinical video Telehealth services for Veterans in rural areas. A new approach was applied to the suite's design aesthetic as well.
A fresh coat of paint, upscale furnishings and custom contemporary artwork were selected for the suite, according to a spokesperson for the hospital. Local companies and artists contributed oversized photographic murals and sculptures to add to the suite's modern appeal. Artwork displayed throughout the suite reflects historical and iconic Dallas landmarks. There's a coffee bar with WiFi access and play area for children. It's a patient and family friendly suite meant to ease the whole treatment process for Vets. All of which are vital to the treatment and recovery process, according to a release from the hospital.
"It's always exciting when we are able to increase access and enhance services for our Veterans," said Jeffery Milligan, Director, VANTHCS. "Our patient population continues to grow and we stand ready to meet their needs."
Polytrauma is multiple complex injuries that cause physical, cognitive, psychological, and social impairments and functional disabilities. Common injuries in blast-related polytrauma include open wounds, traumatic amputations, spinal injuries, eye conditions, musculoskeletal system disorders, psychiatric problems and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The polytrauma team at the hospital provides a full range of medical and support services, and is interdisciplinary consisting of physicians, social workers, neuropsychologists, nurse case managers, blind rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, recreational therapists and prosthetists. Their services include neuro-rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, state-of-the-art prosthetics, visual rehabilitation, psychological services, physical and vocational rehabilitation, recreational therapy, and on-going case management.
"We've had capabilities to provide high quality care for Veterans with Polytrauma and TBI," said Richard Robinson, MD, Medical Director of TBI/Polytrauma in a release. "With the opening of the new suite, our efforts have ramped up to provide that care in a more patient-centered atmosphere to enhance the treatment and recovery process."
VA North Texas Health Care System serves more than 113,000 Veterans and delivers over 1.4 million outpatient visits to Veterans in 38 North Texas counties and two counties in southern Oklahoma.
People interested in volunteering may call VA Volunteer Services at 214.857.0428 to sign up.
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