**Tomah VA Medical Center**

**Inpatient Handbook**

**Welcome**

On behalf of all the employees and volunteers, we welcome you to the
Tomah VA Medical Center. Since our Medical Center opened in 1947, we
have been dedicated to providing high quality care and excellent
customer service.

This tradition holds true today as we strive to improve the services we
provide.

In our many years of service to the veteran and the community, a great
number of changes have taken place, but the cornerstone of "caring"
remains today.

Whether this is your first visit to the Medical Center or whether you
have been here before, you may need help during your visit.

The purpose of this handbook is to assist you and make you feel more
comfortable during your visit. We hope that it will answer most of the
questions you, or your family, may have.

It includes many of the services we offer, but not all. If you have any
questions, please ask a staff member for help.

Sincerely,

Jerald Molnar - Acting Medical Center Director

David Houlihan, M.D. -- Chief of Staff

Trish Ten Haaf, R.N, Ph.D. -- Associate Director for Patient Care
Services

Toby Lane -- Acting Associate Director

**Table of Contents**

**Mission, Vision, Philosophy, and Values**

**Mission:** The VA Great Lakes Healthcare System, Tomah, Wisconsin
provides outpatient and hospital care for eligible veterans through
patient-centered primary care, rehabilitation, extended care, and a full
continuum of mental health services including tertiary care.

**Vision:** Our staff will enthusiastically provide high quality
patient-centered care. Staff will feel pride in providing services that
are courteous, timely, informative, and responsive to the individual's
physical and emotional needs. We will continue to be a center of
excellence in the provision of long-term care, mental health, and
primary care services.

**Philosophy:** We are dedicated to fulfilling our mission and achieving
our vision using the fundamental principles of quality, customer
satisfaction, access, efficiency, and performance improvement.

**Values:**

-   First and foremost, our patients

-   Our staff: their skills, knowledge, and caring potential

-   Patient and family involvement in healthcare decisions

-   Dignity and individuality of our patients

-   Safe and caring environment

-   Excellence, continually improving what we do

-   Teamwork, collaboration, and communication

**Telephone Numbers**

**Monday through Friday**

**8:00am-4:30pm**

Main Hospital Number.....................\...\...\.....Local (608)
372-3971

Toll Free (800) 872-8662

Patient Representative/Patient Advocate.............Extension 66353

\(608\) 372-3971

Suicide Prevention Coordinator............................Extension
67737

\(608\) 372-7737

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline...................1-800-273-TALK
(8255)

Transition Patient Advocate (OEF/OIF)...............Extension 61287

\(608\) 315-0168

Vocational Rehabilitation Services......................Extension 61726

(608)372-1726

**Address**

Tomah VA Medical Center

500 East Veterans Street

Tomah, WI 54660

**Visitors**

Visiting hours are 10:00 am -- 8:00 pm daily. Visitors are welcome
unless your condition is such that this is not advisable, or your
treatment program should not be interrupted. Our Information
Receptionist is located in the Admissions area of Building 400, Room
1080.

On the units, visitors should stop at the nurses' station and sign the
visitors' log. Please let the staff know who they are there to visit.
They will be directed to either the patient's room, or to a waiting room
where the patient will be brought. Children are welcome, but must be
supervised by an adult.

If your visitors bring smoking materials for you, give them to the unit
nurse upon arrival.

Visiting in the patient care areas (dayrooms or when meals are being
served) is discouraged as it interferes with patient privacy.

Please receive prior approval to bring pets on the unit.

The outside doors to the buildings are locked at 10:00 pm. If you need
to re-enter a building after this time, go to the Admissions area in
Building 400.

Allowances will be made for visits to seriously ill patients during
other than regular visiting hours.

**Infection Control and Visitors**

**Please do not visit or bring your children if you or the child:**

-   has chicken pox, measles or shingles or has been around someone with
    chicken pox or shingles in the past four weeks, even if you or your
    child does not have the disease.

**Please check with the nurse before visiting if you:**

-   have a rash.

-   have a runny nose or cough.

**Hand washing:**

-   Visitors are advised to wash their hands prior to entering and after
    exiting patient care areas.

**Thank you for helping with Patient Safety!**

**Telephone Instructions**

Turn the telephone On and Off by pushing the switch to the left hand
side of the telephone UP (on) or DOWN (off).

Local Calls

-   Local calls are free

-   Dial 9 + local number

Toll Free Calls

-   800 or 888 calls are free

-   Dial 9 + 1 then toll free number

Receiving Calls

-   Family and friends can telephone you directly

-   Dial (608) 372-3971 and enter your 5 digit extension

(located on your phone) when asked

Long Distance Calls

-   All long distance call must be placed by using a calling card or by
    calling collect

Personal Calling Card

-   Dial 9 and follow the instructions on the calling card

VA Canteen Card (Phone Card)

-   Dial 9 and follow the instructions on the card

-   You can purchase a calling card from the VA Canteen Retail Store
    located on the first floor of Building 401

Collect Calls

-   AT&T..................Dial 9+1-800-225-5288

-   MCI.....................Dial 9+1-800-265-5328

-   SPRINT...............Dial 9+1-800-877-8000

![](media/image1.png){width="2.0in" height="2.0in"}

**Personal Electronic Devices**

The following rules apply to all patients who are admitted to the Tomah
VA. Please keep in mind that staff have been asked to reinforce these
rules.

Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to:

-   Cell phones

-   Cell phones with cameras

-   Two-way radios

-   Personal pagers

-   Recording devices of all kinds

-   Wireless local area network-enabled personal digital assistants
    (PDA's)

-   Digital cameras

-   Personal electronic gaming devices

-   Other wireless communication devices

When you are admitted, you will be asked to sign a form acknowledging
when and where personal electronic devices may be used. In the case
where a person is not competent, their guardian will be informed about
restrictions on use.

Personal electronic devices are generally permitted throughout the Tomah
VA except when they may interfere with clinical activities or the rights
of patients. Some devices can interfere with equipment used at the
hospital so they are not allowed. If a visitor or patient wants to bring
an electronic device into that area of the hospital, the device must be
turned off before entering.

There may be areas at the Tomah VA where there are special restrictions
on the possession/use of personal electronic devices. This may be due to
patient safety concerns or patient privacy. The use of these items may
require modification of the device to ensure safe use, such as

-   Supervision while in use

-   Limiting the use to designated areas

> Patients and visitors should ask staff about specific rules that may
> apply to their unit.

The Tomah VA is not responsible for lost or stolen personal electronic
items. The use of personal electronic devices is not allowed during
clinical activities, unless required by that activity. There may also be
other times during the day when electronic devices should not be used.
This is to ensure that you get the most benefit from scheduled
activities. If use of the device appears to be interfering with your
treatment or the treatment of those around you, limits on the amount of
time a device is used may be ordered by your treatment team.

Patients are expected to be courteous when using electronic devices.
Remember to:

-   Talk quietly on cell phones

-   If possible, go to an area where your conversation will not disturb
    others

-   Please keep your phone in vibrate or silent mode in clinical areas
    of the facility. This is requested so others will not be disturbed

The privacy of patient information must always be maintained. Cell
phones and other electronic devices that contain cameras may not be used
to take pictures of patients, staff, or volunteers without first
obtaining their permission. You are responsible for the content of
information that is stored on your personal electronic device.

Patients that do not follow the rules may have use of their electronic
devices restricted by their treatment team.

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**Personal Computers**

The use of personal computers on the unit depends on what unit you are
assigned to. Ask the Nurse/Nurse Manager about rules that may apply to
your specific unit.

Computers are available for patient use in the Library, Building 401,
Room 1100 as well as in the Computer Lab, Building 403, Room 1350.

**Smoking and Tobacco Use**

Smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas. Tobacco products
are not sold at the Tomah VA. A risk assessment may be required by your
treatment team to assure your provider that you can safely manage this
activity. **Please be aware that all smoking materials must be turned
into your unit nurse upon entering/returning to your unit.**

If you are a veteran that uses tobacco and wish to get information about
quitting, please tell your provider.

[Quitting Smoking Flyer on opposite page]{.mark}

[[http://vaww.vhaco.va.gov/phshcg/documents/VAP_10-84_P96190.pdf]{.mark}](http://vaww.vhaco.va.gov/phshcg/documents/VAP_10-84_P96190.pdf)

[Note: Please insert in Local Contact Information section on flyer for
booklet: Contact your health care provider]{.mark}

**Safety and Security**

For everyone's safety, all who are admitted to the Tomah VA for care
must consent to a personal search by a metal detector, and to the
inspection of all packages, luggage, and containers in their possession.
The metal detector cannot harm you. It will not affect pacemakers,
hearing aids, or film.

**Refusal of consent to search is basis for denial of
admittance**[.]{.underline}

**Restrictions/Inspections of Personal Possessions**

1.  The following items are not allowed on the Tomah VA grounds:

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a)  Firearms, ammunitions, knives, and other weapons

b)  Narcotics and medications (except for patients who are on the
    self-medication program)

c)  Personal tape recorders, electric table model radios (battery radios
    are permitted on the units), record players, and television sets.

d)  Use of cameras, including camera phones for the purposes of
    recording images or voice.

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```
2.  Consuming or bringing alcoholic beverages of any kind on the Tomah
    VA grounds.

3.  Borrowing/lending money **or** property to other patients or
    employees

4.  Gifts or tips to employees

5.  Gambling of any kind

6.  Unnecessary loud noises and boisterous behavior

7.  Abusive, profane, or obscene language

8.  Damage, destruction, loss, barter, or sale of government property or
    property belonging to other patients

9.  Interference with the treatment or comfort of other patients

10\. Smoking is not allowed anywhere but in approved smoking shelters or
outdoors. Smoking is not allowed in any area where the smoke may be
carried to the interior of a building. Patient smoking materials must be
turned into your unit nurse upon entering/returning to your unit

11\. Oxygen and oxygen delivery equipment may not be taken into smoking
shelters. Oxygen is to be turned off when not in use

12\. Gathering near main entrances in such a way that limits access or
exit of the building

When you are admitted, your personal possessions will be reviewed by
nursing staff or VA Police. Except for the Substance Abuse Treatment
Program (SATP) patients, or the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Program patients, all clothing will be marked to make sure it returns to
you after laundering. We will provide a safekeeping service for a small
number of personal items. We also provide locker space in unit areas to
secure property that remains in your possession. **Please note that the
Tomah VA assumes no responsibility for items not properly secured for
safekeeping by the Medical Center**.

**Privately Owned Vehicles**

 

Please make arrangements to store your privately owned vehicle off the
Tomah VA grounds. In the event these arrangements cannot be made, your
vehicle may be parked in one of the parking spaces marked, \"Overnight
Patient Parking\".  Please note that privately owned vehicles are parked
on facility grounds at the owner's personal risk.  If you choose to keep
your vehicle on Tomah VA grounds, notify the patient care staff on your
ward that you have a vehicle and where you parked it. This information
will be passed on to our police officers. They need to be aware of
long-term vehicles parked at the medical center. This helps coordinate
movement of vehicles in the case of emergency. Designated spaces are
located near each patient care building, but are very limited in number.

**Patient Identification**

It is required that you wear a plastic identification bracelet. It is
color-coded according to your diet. You will not be allowed in the
Laboratory or Dining Room without an ID bracelet. If you cannot wear a
bracelet for a medical reason, a 3x5 card with all identifying
information will be given to you, or you will be asked to carry the
bracelet in your pocket during your stay.

**Passes, Privileges, and Authorized Absences**

Depending upon your treatment program, privileges to leave your unit and
authorized absences to leave the Tomah VA grounds may be given to you by
your Provider. As your treatment progresses, longer absences may be
arranged.

**Patient Bed Transfer**

If you are transferred from one bed section to another, there is no
guarantee that you will return to the same bed you previously occupied.

**Emergency Situations**

This Medical Center has an Emergency Management Plan in which all
employees have received extensive training. In case of fire or disaster,
please follow instructions given to you by the staff on your unit.

In the event that you or someone around you experiences a
life-threatening emergency, please do one of the following:

-   On your unit -- Use the call light to notify a nurse or yell for
    help. If you are able, seek out staff that may be in the area.

-   In the tramways - Red Emergency Phones are located on the ground
    floor of each building near the elevators. Call 911. This will ring
    in the Admissions area and initiate a medical emergency. A special
    team of trained doctors and nurses will respond promptly to provide
    care.

-   We will provide transport to the Acute Medical Unit in Building 400
    for observation if needed. Transport to another VA, such as Madison
    or a community hospital, may occur based on any additional level of
    care required.

-   First Aid and Basic Life Support Services are available on all
    units.

**Personal Property**

**Clothing**

If you are a resident of our Community Living Centers, we suggest you
have the following:

-   5 -- 6 changes of **washable** clothing (shirts, trousers,
    underclothing)

-   1 set of seasonal outer wear (sweater, heavy coat, hat, gloves).
    Normal footwear.

Note: Pajamas, robes, and handkerchiefs are available. Check with your
unit's nursing staff.

Regular laundry service is provided for your personal clothing. Clean
laundry is returned weekly. If you wish to have the hospital wash your
personal clothing, our clothing room staff will mark your clothing for
you. Contact the unit staff to make arrangements to have your clothing
marked. The Medical Center is responsible only for items deposited for
safekeeping in the storage facility. This responsibility does not apply
to personal clothing. However, every reasonable effort will be made to
ensure the care and protection of your clothing. Should you have any
questions about your possessions, our staff will be happy to assist you.

**Valuables and Personal Funds**

We encourage a homelike environment for our long term care residents.
Please

refer to your unit's specific recommendations about personal
possessions.

While staying at the VA, we encourage you to keep no more than
**\$20.00** of cash on you for your personal needs. Please remember that
the nurses cannot keep your funds locked at the nurses' station.  **The
Tomah VA is not responsible for lost funds.**

Any extra money can be deposited in your name in Patient Funds. Your
Social Worker will help arrange an account for you. 

Patient Funds Office:

Location.....Building 400, Room 1067

Hours.........Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-11:00 am and 12:30 pm - 1:
30 pm

It is important to have any funds that you wish to receive sent by
bank-draft or money order.

If funds have been deposited in your account, you can withdraw cash by
obtaining a withdrawal form from the Unit Coordinator (unless your
Doctor or Treatment Team has determined that you should be placed on
Canteen coupon books). **Personal checks** that are deposited have a
**30-day deferment period** before money can be withdrawn.  There is no
deferment on a money order or cashier's check.

While hospitalized, you may want to purchase the following:

-   Haircuts

-   Shaves (if patient is unable to shave himself)

-   Toilet articles such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving
    cream, etc. These may be purchased from the Canteen Retail Store

-   Snacks, pop, crackers, candy, etc.: Available in the Canteen
    Cafeteria/Canteen Retail Store or vending machines

-   Clothing:  Many items are available in the Canteen Retail Store. 
    Pajamas, robes, and handkerchiefs are provided by the Medical
    Center.

Before your discharge, arrangements should be made with your Unit
Coordinator for disposition of your funds

**Services Provided**

**Canteen**

Cafeteria

Location....Building 401, Room 1175

Hours........Monday through Friday, 7:00 am -- 2:00 pm

Retail Store

Location....Building 401, Room 1150

Hours....... Monday through Friday, 7:30 am -- 3:30 pm

**Barber Shop**

Location.....Building 402, Room 1272

Hours.........Tuesday and Thursday, 8:45 am -- 2:30 pm. Call extension
64040 to schedule an appointment.

Patients unable to shave themselves will be shaved by the Barber at the
patient's expense.

**ATM Machine**

Location....Building 401, Room 1175 (Canteen Cafeteria)

**Newspapers**

Each unit receives daily newspapers. Newspapers are also available in
the Canteen Cafeteria area.

**General Library**

Location....Building 401, Room 1100

Hours........Monday through Friday, 8:00 am \-- 4:00 pm Weekends and
Holiday hours depend on the availability of volunteers.

The General Library is also a great source for health and disease
information. The Patient Education Resource Center (PERC) is located
within the General Library. Books, journals, pamphlets, audio visuals,
and computer databases are available to support patient health
education. Music listening stations, video viewing stations, and a
public-access computer are available. The collection of educational,
informational, and recreational reading materials is updated regularly.
Borrowing privileges are extended to outpatients as well as inpatients.
Family members and visitors are welcome to visit the library.

**Mail**

Personal mail is delivered to the units daily (except Saturday and
Sunday). Special runs for personal mail are made during the Christmas
and New Year's holidays. **stamps** and **money orders** may be
purchased from the Canteen Retail Store, Building 401, Room 1150.

Please have mail addressed to you as follows:

Your Name

Unit Name/Building #\_\_\_\_\_\_

VA Medical Center

500 E. Veterans St.

Tomah WI 54660

**Lost and Found**

Location.....Building 424, Room 1555

Hours.........7:30 am-4:00 pm

Phone........Extension 61607

After Hours: Please contact the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD),
Building 400, Room 1080 for help

**Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**

Haircuts, toothpaste, toothbrush, combs, clothing, deodorants, etc., are
available to those eligible. Other patients must pay for these items and
other incidentals themselves. Check with your Unit Coordinator or Charge
Nurse.

**Religious Services**

(Broadcast on Channel 4)

**Catholic**

Fr. Willis Everett, Ext. 66054

Mass -- Chapel -- Sunday 1:30 pm

Mass -- Chapel -- Monday and

Thursday through Saturday 2:00 pm

Confessions -- By appointment (Ext. 66054)

Communion -- At each Mass and by request to bed patients

Holiday and Holy Day services - as announced.

**Protestant**

Rev. Maynard Hofer, Ext. 66052

Worship -- Chapel -- Sunday 10:00 am

Morning Prayer -- Chapel -- Monday through Thursday 7:45 am

Communion -- 1^st^ and 3^rd^ Sundays, and by request to bed patients

Holiday and Holy Day services - as announced.

**Meals**

Three meals each day are provided during your hospital stay. They are
designed to provide variety and meet your nutritional needs. To enhance
your enjoyment let us know how we are doing\-\--we strive to improve.

**You must have a diet card and display your ID bracelet for each
meal.** This assures that correct meals are served. Meals are served in
the Building 408 and Building 424 Dining Rooms and on the units. If you
are assigned to eat in the dining room, your diet card will be located
in the dining room. This card states your diet order and any preferences
you may have. Please show your card to the servers as you pass through
the serving line.

Meals are served as follows:

Breakfast: 7:00 am -- 7:45 am (7:30 on weekends/holidays)

Dinner: 11:30 am -- 12:45 pm (12:30 on weekends/holidays)

Supper: 5:00 pm -- 5:45 pm (5:30 on weekends/holidays)

**Please do not take food, beverage, or eating utensils from the dining
rooms.** We are concerned about food safety and want to eliminate the
opportunity for food borne illness as well as the loss of tableware.

**Mental Health Services**

The Tomah VA is committed to maintaining not only the physical health of
our veterans, but also the mental health of our veterans. To support
that goal, we offer inpatient psychiatric services in both acute and
extended care units. We also offer residential treatment through our
PTSD, Substance Abuse, and Dual Diagnosis programs.

Our Mental Health Clinic also offers the following outpatient mental
health services:

-   Individual and group counseling

-   Medication management and Mental Health Intensive Case Management
    (MHICM) through our Community Support Program (CSP)

-   Outpatient therapists specializing in serving those who have
    experienced Military Sexual Trauma.

Through Vocational Rehabilitation Services we offer a variety of
programs aimed at helping our veterans build or enhance employment
skills. Incentive Therapy offers a supported work environment for those
with special needs. Compensated Work Therapy focuses on the development
of skills that will prepare veterans for competitive employment. In
addition, our Transitional Residency Program provides the bridge to
fully functioning community life and employment.

Emergency mental health services are offered through our Mental Health
Triage staff, our Suicide Prevention Coordinator and through the VA
sponsored 24 hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
(8255).

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page:]{.mark}

[[http://www.move.va.gov/download/PressMaterials/MOVE_Poster_Tabloid_Color.pdf]{.mark}](http://www.move.va.gov/download/PressMaterials/MOVE_Poster_Tabloid_Color.pdf)

**VICTOR Program**

The **V**eterans' **I**ntegrated **C**enter for **T**reatment
**O**utreach and **R**ecovery (VICTOR) Program offers a variety of
therapeutic, educational, and recreational programming for **all**
patients in one location. The program involves clinical staff from many
different areas of the facility including Mental Health, Recreation
Therapy, Volunteers, Nursing, Vocational Rehabilitation, Chaplain
Services, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietitians, etc. The
program activities are held in the VICTOR Center, Bldg 406, Room 1655.
The weekly Patient Guide contains a listing of activities available to
you.

**Hospice Care Program**

Hospice provides care and support for persons with a terminal disease so
they

can live as fully and comfortably as possible. The Hospice Program
affirms and

recognizes death as a normal process. Hospice neither hastens nor
postpones

death. The Hospice concept of care recognizes the person's right to
control the

manner in which he or she wishes to spend the rest of their lives as
they near

the end of life's journey.

**Medical Staff**

The physician/inpatient provider who admits you is responsible for
directing your care while in the hospital. Your provider, as the
coordinator for your treatment program, should be consulted if you have
questions about your illness.

**Nursing Staff**

A team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and
certified nursing assistants provide twenty-four hour nursing care. A
nurse manager is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care
on each unit. Please feel free to contact your nurse or nurse manager if
you have questions or concerns.

**Social Work Services**

Social Workers are available in the in-patient and out-patient settings
as a resource to assist veterans and their family members. Information
and service referral can be provided to VA and community programs
regarding family, emotional, physical and financial issues. Counseling
and education on Advance Directives is also available.

If you request additional information regarding service availability,
ask your provider for a referral to Social Work.

**Chaplain Services**

Chaplains are available to provide religious worship opportunities,
pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual guidance. Chaplains also serve
as an information resource for all patients, families, and visitors and
will gladly answer questions. Appointments to see a Chaplain
individually may be made through your Unit Coordinator.

**Rehabilitation Services**

Rehabilitation services such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy,
Kinesiotherapy and Speech Language Therapy are an important service
available to residents in our Community Living Centers. This includes
Restorative Therapy to help people maintain their highest level in day
to day functioning.

Physical therapy works to improve muscle strength, balance walking and
other physical abilities. The physical therapists treat residents for
brain, bone/muscle or joint related injuries such as: Stroke, Brain
Injury, Pain, Ankle, hip and knees injuries or surgeries, back and neck
injuries.

Occupational and Kinesiotherapy helps to bring back skill in the
activities of daily living that allow more independence, such as
dressing, bathing, grooming and feeding. An occupational therapist also
assists veterans with upper body function including active and passive
range of motion balance, and use of adaptive equipment as needed.

The Speech Language Pathologist assists veterans in developing their
memory, and language skills, as well as address speech and hearing
problems for those who need to improve communication or thinking skills.
They also work with the dietitian on special nutrition needs for
swallowing problems. Speech language therapy services are offered for
conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, progressive
neuromuscular diseases (such as Parkinson's, ALS, MS), laryngectomy,
voice problems, swallowing disorders, and hearing loss.

The Treatment Team refers veterans as appropriate.

**Dietitians**

A Registered Dietitian or Clinical Dietetic Technician covers each unit.
The Dietitian or Technician will meet with you to develop your nutrition
care plan. Nutrition counseling may be provided. Any questions you may
have about your diet or meals can be answered by your Dietitian/Dietetic
Technician. Your Nurse or Unit Coordinator can help you contact the
Dietitian/Dietetic Technician, if you need to talk to them. Nutrition
education is also available through Ambulatory Care. Group classes on
diabetes, weight control, and cholesterol reduction are available. If
you are interested, discuss it with your Dietitian.

**Pharmacy**

A pharmacist is an integral part of your healthcare team and provides
many services to you behind the scenes. A registered pharmacist is
available Monday through Friday to provide medication education or to
answer medical related questions. If you would like to speak with one of
our pharmacists, please request a meeting through your Nurse Manager or
Unit Coordinator.

**Recreation Therapy**

Recreational therapists are available to help veterans address their
individual leisure needs. All Community Living Center residents and
in-patients leisure needs are assessed. Individualized goals and plans
are developed to help veterans improve their quality of life. Many
individual as well as group events are available for your participation.

**Music Therapy**

Music Therapy is available for any veteran receiving treatment at this
VA Medical Center. It does not require a music background or musical
expertise. Music Therapy assists persons with a variety of needs
including relaxation, stress relief, coping skills, problem solving,
social skills, pain management, self-expression, depression, and
communication skills. Patients are individually assessed to determine
their Music Therapy treatment goals.

The Music Therapy Clinic is located in Building 403, Room 1340. If you
are interested in Music Therapy, you may request a referral from your
Doctor or the Music Therapist.

**Housekeeping**

A member of the housekeeping staff cleans your room daily. If there is a
housekeeping problem in your room, tell your nurse and it will be taken
care of as soon as possible.

**Other Personnel**

During your stay many other health care professionals including
personnel from the laboratory and radiology department may visit you. In
addition, the Tomah VA Medical Center has many behind the scene
administrative workers.

**Veterans' Benefits Counselor**

There is a Veterans' Benefits Counselor available at this Medical Center
who can assist you with concerns you may have about your veterans'
benefits. You can make an appointment through the unit coordinator on
your unit.

[Insert Voter Registration flyer]{.mark}

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**Voluntary Service & Service Organizations**

Volunteer services are provided by members of service, civic, religious,
fraternal groups, and nonaffiliated volunteers. Volunteers assist
Medical Center staff and veterans in support of quality patient care
through the recruitment of volunteers and utilization of community
resources. There are approximately 300 volunteers providing an average
of 2,200 hours monthly at this Medical Center. Volunteers can be
identified by their name tags.

Persons interested in becoming a volunteer may call (608) 372-1727,
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a six-month
waiting period for

inpatients after discharge (unless referred by a member of the treatment
team as a recommendation for their discharge plans).

**Release of Medical Information**

Contact your Unit Coordinator, or the Release of Information Clerk in
Building 408, Room 1860/1866, about release of medical information.

**Patient Advocate**

Our hospital strives to give the best care possible in the most
courteous and efficient way. We appreciate that you chose the Tomah VA
to meet your health care needs. We value your comments about your
experience here. We are always looking for ways to improve our service.
Your input helps us do that.

Your health care team is available to help with questions or concerns
you may have. If you have a problem, the first step is to talk with your
health care team.

If your health care team is not able to address your concerns, please
ask to speak with the Patient Advocate.

Patient Advocate

Located at: Building 400, 2^nd^ floor, Room 2061

Phone: Extension 66353

Hours: 9:00am -3:30pm, Monday through Friday (except Federal Holidays)

If your concerns need to be addressed at times when the Patient Advocate
is not available, please contact the Nurse Coordinator or Administrative
Officer of the Day. Please ask staff for assistance.

**Ethics Committee**

An Ethics Committee is available to consider clinical issues. Patients,
families, and staff may refer issues of concern. The Patient Advocate is
a member of this committee and may be used as a contact person.

**Patient Rights and Responsibilities**

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is pleased you have selected us
to provide your healthcare. We want to improve your health and
well-being. We will make your visit or stay as pleasant for you as
possible. As part of our service to you, to other veterans, and to the
nation, we are committed to

improving healthcare quality. We also train future healthcare
professionals, conduct research, and support our country in times of
national emergency. In all of these activities, our employees will
respect and support your rights as a patient. Please talk with VA
treatment team members or a patient advocate if you have any questions
or would like more information about your rights.

**I. Respect and Nondiscrimination**

-   You will be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect as an
    individual. Your privacy will be protected. You will receive care in
    a safe environment. We will seek to honor your personal and
    religious values.

-   You or someone you choose has the right to keep and spend your
    money. You have the right to receive an accounting of any VA-held
    funds.

-   Treatment will respect your personal freedoms. In rare cases, the
    use of medication and physical restraints may be used if all other
    efforts to keep you or others free from harm have not worked.

-   As an inpatient or nursing home resident, you may wear your own
    clothes. You may keep personal items. This will depend on your
    medical condition.

-   As an inpatient or nursing home resident, you have the right to
    social interaction and regular exercise. You will have the
    opportunity for religious worship and spiritual support. You may
    decide whether to participate in these activities. You may decide
    whether or not to perform tasks in or for the Medical Center.

-   As an inpatient or nursing home resident, you have the right to
    communicate freely and privately. You may have or refuse visitors.
    You will have access to public telephones. You may participate in
    civic rights, such as voting and free speech.

-   As a nursing home resident, you can organize and take part in
    resident groups in the facility. Your family also can meet with the
    families of other residents.

-   In order to provide a safe treatment environment for all patients or
    residents and staff, you are expected to respect other patients,
    residents and staff and to follow the facility's rules. Avoid unsafe
    acts that place others at risk for accidents or injuries. Please
    immediately report any condition you believe to be unsafe.

**II. Information Disclosure and Confidentiality**

-   You will be given information about the health benefits you can
    receive. The information will be provided in a way you can
    understand.

-   You will receive information about the costs of your care, if any,
    before you are treated. You are responsible for paying your portion
    of any costs associated with your care.

-   Your medical record will be kept confidential. Information about you
    will not be released without your consent unless authorized by law
    (an example of this is State public health reporting). You have the
    right to information in your medical record and may request a copy
    of your medical records. This will be provided except in rare
    situations when your VA physician feels the information will be
    harmful to you. In that case, you have the right to have this
    discussed with you by your VA provider.

-   You will be informed of all outcomes of care, including any
    potential injuries. You will be informed about how to request
    compensation for any injuries.

**III. Participation in Treatment Decisions**

-   You, and any persons you choose, will be involved in all decisions
    about your care. You will be given information you can understand
    about the benefits and risks of treatment. You will be given other
    options. You can agree to or refuse treatment. You will be told what
    is likely to happen to you if you refuse treatment. Refusing
    treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take
    responsibility for the possible results to your health.

-   Tell your provider about your current condition, medicines
    (including over-the-counter and herbals), and medical history. Also,
    share any other information that affects your health. You should ask
    questions when you do not understand something about your care.
    Being involved is very important for you to get the best possible
    results.

-   You will be given, in writing, the name and title of the provider in
    charge of your care. As our partner in healthcare, you have the
    right to be involved in choosing your provider. You also have the
    right to know the names and titles of those who provide you care.
    This includes students, residents and trainees. Providers will
    properly introduce themselves when they take part in your care.

-   You will be educated about your role and responsibilities as a
    patient or resident. This includes your participation in
    decision-making and care at the end of life.

-   If you believe you cannot follow the treatment plan, you have a
    responsibility to notify your provider or treatment team.

-   You have the right to have your pain assessed and to receive
    treatment to manage your pain. You and your treatment team will
    develop a pain management plan together. You are expected to help
    the treatment team by

telling them if you have pain and if the treatment is working.

-   As an inpatient or nursing home resident, you will be provided any
    transportation necessary for your treatment plan.

-   You have the right to choose whether you will participate in any
    research project. Any research will be clearly identified. Potential
    risks of the research will be identified and there will be no
    pressure on you to participate.

-   You will be included in resolving any ethical issues about your
    care. You may consult with the Medical Center's Ethics Consultation
    Service and/or other staff knowledgeable about healthcare ethics.

-   If you or the Medical Center believes that you have been neglected,
    abused or exploited, you will receive help.

**IV. Complaints**

-   You are encouraged and expected to seek help from your treatment
    team or patient advocate if you have problems or complaints. You
    will be given understandable information about the complaint
    process. You may complain verbally or in writing, without fear of
    retaliation.

**Joint Commission Surveys**

The Joint Commission evaluates healthcare organizations on the quality,
safety-of-care, and safety of the environment. The VISN 12 VA Hospitals
are accredited by The Joint Commission

You are encouraged to contact the Tomah VAMC Patient Advocate if you
have any concerns with patient care or safety in the organization at
extension 66353.

If the concern in question cannot be resolved at this level, you are
encouraged, by the organization, to contact the Joint Commission. You
may request a public information interview during the time of the
survey.

Phone: 1-800-994-6610

E-Mail: <complaint@jointcommission.org>

Write to:

Division of Accreditation Operations

Office of Quality Monitoring

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

One Renaissance Boulevard

Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

**Office of Inspector General**

To report criminal activity, waste, abuse, mismanagement, and safety
issues to the Office of the Inspector General, call toll-free
1-800-488-8244, or write to VA OIG Hotline, P.O. Box 50410, Washington,
DC 20091-0410, or fax to 202-565-7936 or e-mail <vaoighotline@va.gov>.

**Patient Safety**

Safety systems are in place to ensure that you receive the right care at
the right time. As a patient, you and your family are also part of the
patient care team. We want to help you participate as an informed and
active member of the team.

**Be An Active Member Of The Team**

Ask questions regarding our health, treatment plan, and any concerns you
have. If you don't understand, ask again.

If you see something that is not safe, or doesn't seem quite right, tell
your nurse or doctor about it right away.

**Patient Identification**

To confirm your identify, staff will ask you for your full name and the
last four digits of your social security number or birth date. For your
safety in the hospital, the Patient ID Wristband has this information.

Check the wristband to make sure it is correct. If it comes off or has
been removed for any reason, please ask for a new one right away.

Before having any tests, treatments, or procedures, staff will ask your
full name and the last four digits of your social security number or
birth date and then check your wristband.

**Clean Hands Prevent Infection**

Washing hands is the most important way to prevent the spread of germs.

You should expect all staff members to wash or sanitize their hands
before contact with you. **It is your right to ask them if they have
cleaned their hands.**

It is also important for patients, family, and visits to wash their
hands frequently while in the hospital.

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**Help Prevent Falls**

Falls are more likely in the evening and night when patients get out of
bed to use the bathroom. Please turn on your call light and ask for
assistance to use the bathroom.

Please wear your shoes or non-slip stockings, and tell staff about any
spills you see. It is important to turn on the room lights so you can
see where you are going and to keep a clear path for walking.

If you use a can or walker at home, you may need to do so in the
hospital. If you wear glasses, be sure to put them on when you are out
of bed. If you have a wheelchair, lock the wheels before getting in or
out.

If you have vision problems or feel dizzy or weak, be sure to tell your
nurse and doctor. Use your call light if you need help getting in or out
of your bed or chair.

**Know Who Is In Charge of Your Care**

Stay informed about who is in charge of your care. This is very
important, especially if you are receiving care for several health
problems.

If you are ever unsure about this, please ask for the name of the doctor
in charge of your care.

**Preparing For Your Surgery Or Procedure**

Make sure that you, your doctor, you surgeon, and your nurse know what
procedure will be done.

Staff will check with you many times to make sure that everyone involved
with your procedure agrees -- including you!

Please ask your doctor or nurse if you have questions about your surgery
or procedure.

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**Medication Safety**

Tell your providers if you have allergies to any drugs or food. Please
tell us about any over the counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal remedies
that you are taking.

Nursing staff will collect your home medications; these will be locked
up during your hospital stay. The medications that your provider wants
you to continue taking will be returned to you at discharge.

When you are in the hospital, or at discharge, you may be taking some
new medications. Make sure you know which medications you are taking and
what they are for.

If a medication does not sound or look familiar to you, speak up and
alert your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist.

**Pain Management**

Effective pain management is an important part of your care while in the
hospital. If you do not believe your pain is being treated well, please
tell your provider or nurse. He or she will talk with you about your
pain and ways to make you more comfortable.

**How Will Your Pain Be Assessed?**

To measure your pain, your health care providers will ask you to rate
your pain on a scale of 0 to 10; 0 means no pain and10 means the worst
possible pain. They may also ask you to point to a pain scale or a
picture of a face that shows how much pain you are The pain ratings help
your provider and nurse evaluate the effectiveness of the medications or
other treatments given to manage your pain.

**How Can I manage My Pain In the Hospital?**

You are encouraged to actively participate in managing your pain by
telling your nurse or provider

-   where you feel pain and how much pain you have. You may want to
    describe how the pain feels

-   what makes your pain better or worse

-   what methods of pain relief have worked for you in the past as well
    as those that have not worked

-   which medications for pain you take regularly

-   if you have allergies or reactions to pain medication(s)

-   which vitamins, herbal and natural products you are taking

-   if you smoke

-   if you drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day

-   if you take street drugs or are on methadone

-   if you have pain that will not go away

Ask for pain medication when your pain first begins. It is more
difficult to ease pain once it has started.

Ask for pain medication before you start any activity which you know
will worsen your pain.

Treatment of pain can include several different approaches besides the
use of prescription (opioid) pain medications. Some of these include
physical therapy, heat or cold, and complementary therapies such as
massage, relaxation and guided imagery techniques.

There are many ways to give medicine for pain including pills,
intravenously, by injection and through the skin. Your provider will
work with you to determine which way is most effective for you. When
medications are used correctly to manage pain, addiction rarely occurs.
Please talk to your doctor or nurse if you have concerns about this
issue.

The nurse will monitor any side effects you may experience as a result
of pain medications. Usually, these side effects can be managed and go
away in time. Be sure to tell the nurse right away if you have
constipation, dizziness, sleepiness, itching and/or rash, nausea and
vomiting, slowed breathing or confusion.

**How Can I Manage Pain At Home?**

-   Use your medication only as directed. If the pain is not lessened or
    if it gets worse, call your health care provider.

-   Remember that medications taken by mouth need time to work. Most
    oral pain medication needs at lest 20 minutes to begin to take
    effect.

-   Take pain medication when your pain first begins. It is more
    difficult to ease pain once it has started.

-   Take pain medication before any activity that you know will increase
    your pain.

-   Some pain medications cause constipation. Drink plenty of fluids. If
    you don't have a bowel movement in two days, contact your health
    care provider.

-   Many pain medications can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or other
    activities that require you to e alert.

-   If you experience any other side effects (e.g. itching, nausea,
    etc.), notify your health care provider.

-   Non-drug methods (ice, heat, relaxation) can also help reduce pain
    when used with pain medication.

Pain control can help you be more comfortable, get back to your normal
routine and to heal faster. Ask for pain medicine when pain first
begins. Be sure to ask the nurse or provider any questions you have
about managing your pain at home before leaving the hospital. If you
have concerns or side effects from pain medicine once you are home, call
the provider who ordered the medication.