TWU Veterans Committee

Situation Update

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020 9:05 AM EDT

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve in our community and across the country, the Miami VA Healthcare System is taking additional steps to limit the spread of this virus or other respiratory illnesses.

We have implemented enhanced screening protocols at all our open facilities and have transitioned to virtual care and telehealth in as many cases as possible. In addition, the Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Flagler Street and Key Largo VA Clinics are closed. All patients still have access to their providers through telephone and telehealth services.

Urgent care services will be available at our William “Bill” Kling VA Clinic and Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center during business hours. Emergency services are available 24/7 at our Emergency Department at the main hospital in downtown Miami.

Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center:

• Veterans: Enter through the Emergency Department.
• Staff: From 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., staff enter through the West Entrance. From 8 p.m. - 6 a.m., enter through the Emergency Department.
• Emergency Vehicle and Ambulance access will not change.
• Visitation Hours are suspended until further notice. This includes CLC, SCI and all other patient floors.

William “Bill” Kling VA Clinic:

• Screening is being conducted at the Main Entrance. This is the only entrance and exit for this location.

Homestead VA Clinic:

• Scheduled lab appointments only.

Key West VA Clinic:

• Scheduled appointments only. Staff are working closely with our U.S. Naval counterparts to ensure screening procedures are consistent for all personnel on the clinic ground by using a single entrance for all appointments.

All Veterans who have symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath) should call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 for triage and instruction prior to coming to the medical center or clinics. The safest place for you, unless you may require hospitalization, is home.

These policies and guidelines may change at any time and we appreciate your flexibility. We thank all of you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our patients, staff and communities safe and healthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
VA COVID Information: https://www.va.gov/coronavirus/

Life-threatening medical or mental health emergencies Veterans who are experiencing medical or mental health emergencies are asked to visit the nearest emergency room of dial 9-1-1.

Sign-up for automatic email updates by filling in your email address in the “Emergency Email Updates” section, located at the top right corner of this page. For up-to-date information about the Miami VA, please check this page, the Miami VA Facebook page or Miami VA Twitter page. To learn about preparedness kits, family emergency plans, and hurricane and emergency preparedness, please visit www.ready.gov. During disasters Veterans and employees can get updated information on facility closures, appointment cancellations and pharmacy refills from this page.