VA proposes shuttering a dozen hospitals, including Bonham

File / Bonham VA

The Veterans Affairs Department this week made the announcement that it recommends shuttering a dozen of its hospitals without building direct replacements in those areas; On the list: Bonham. Also on the list: Alexandria, La.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Castle Point, N.Y.; Chillicothe, Ohio; Coatesville, Pa.; Fort Meade, S.D.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Hampton, Va.; Hot Springs, S.D.; Muskogee, Okla.; and Northampton, Mass.

Reportedly, the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission will have one year to review these recommendations from the VA.

“The VA conducted a multi-year large-scale assessment of VA’s health care system,” the report, which was released Monday, states. “The Department has analyzed extensive data, conducted interviews with leaders at every VA medical center (VAMC) across the country, conducted listening sessions with Veterans and other stakeholders, and consulted with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs).”

According to their website, the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center (SRMVC) in Bonham, Texas, provides a full range of primary and geriatric care programs as well as outpatient mental health services to Veterans in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.

The 78-acre campus includes:

136-bed Nursing Home care unit for extended care, including skilled nursing care, assisted care unit, specialized dementia unit, palliative and respite care.
224-bed Domiciliary for rehabilitative care in a structured, sheltered, tranquil, environment, including a substance abuse program that provides special intervention protocol, health maintenance program for Veterans with multiple medical problems and limited resources, supportive work program and compensated work therapy. The program is being expanded to include additional substance abuse beds, a secured women Veterans area and a residential PTSD program.

Outpatient and telemedicine services are available for spinal cord injury patients, and additional specialty outpatient services include:

• Audiology
• Dermatology
• Ear Nose and Throat
• Foot Care
• GYN
• Optometry
• Pacemaker
• Podiatry
• Speech Therapy

SRMVC has developed cooperative relationships with providers in the area to enhance more comprehensive services and accessibility for Veterans, and it serves as an important teaching facility. Affiliated with Grayson County College, available training programs encompass nursing, social work, dentistry and psychology.

With over 600 employees, SRMVC has the largest payroll in Fannin County. Approximately 400 volunteers give their time and energy to help in many areas throughout the facility.

eExtra News has reached out to the VA for more information, but so far we have received no response. The hospital is at 1201 E. 9th Street in Bonham.