Groundbreaking 2010
 The Wilmington VA Medical Center formally broke ground on two key construction jobs; the OEF/OIF & Speciality Clinics and Emergency Department Projects. Medical Center Leadership was joined by political representatives from Senators Kaufman, Carper, and Congressman Castle's office. Delaware State Senator Colin Bonini also attended. Several representatives (and the owner) of Homeland Security Construction Corporation also participated in the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
The Emergency Department Project builds a 10,000 square foot addition and renovates & upgrades another 5,000 square feet of existing space, including parking, walkways, and the ambulance drop-off area. The project's budget is $4,209,000.
Mr. Dorman Discusses the $7 million dollars' investment in the two projects while Dave Cord, Assoc. Director for operations, Stephan E Krishack, Homeland Security Construction Corp. & Chief of Staff look on.
The Specialty Clinic Expansion Project (OEF/OIF & Women's Health) also represents a $2,895,000 investment. The project ensures our ability to meet the need's of today's and tommorrow's Women Veterans.
"Gold Shovels" ceremonially break ground. From left to right Chuck Dorman, Mary Nairn, Sarmite Tyus, Senator Bonini, Adrienne Woods, Stephan E. Krishack, Mary Alice Johnson, Dave Cord, Charonda Taylor, Kate Rohrer, Bonnie Wu, Dr. Guttin.
The Director presented commemorative plaques to the attendees and invited them to a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the projects are completed.
Posing with their Commemorative Groundbreaking plaques from left to right: Robert Del Campo, VA Contracting; Stephan E. Krishack, Homeland Security Construction Corp; Sarmite Tyus, OEF/OIF Program; Madison Shambarger, Wilmington VAMC Facilities; Mary Nairn, Women Veterans Program Coordinator; Delaware State Senator Bonini; Charonda Taylor, Delaware State Senator Kaufman's Office; Kate Rohrer, Delaware Congressman Mike Castle's office; Bonnie Wu, Delaware Senator Tom Carper's office; and Charles M. Dorman, Wilmington VAMC Director.
posted 6/23/10
Change to Medication Copays for Some Veterans
Prescription copayments increase from $8 to $9 for each 30-day supply of outpatient medications for Veterans with higher incomes and no service-connected disabilities (Priority Groups 7 and 8).
The change does not impact Priority Groups 2 through 6 Veterans. Their copay remains $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for their non-service connected conditions unless otherwise exempted. Priority Groups 2 through 6 Veteran's out-of-pocket expenses for VA outpatient medications is capped at $960 per calendar year.
Veterans with an injury or illness connected with their military service resulting in a disability rated 50 percent or greater (Priority Group 1 Veterans) are exempt from the copay.
Veterans with difficulty paying outpatient medications copayments should discuss the matter with their VA enrollment coordinator, Contact VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visit VA's health elgibility Website at www.va.gov/healthelgibility.
posted 6/14/2010
Wilmington VAMC Building Progress
We are in one of the most expansive construction programs in our history. This year’s program is a tenfold increase over last year. Thirty-three projects are or will be awarded this year.
The construction at the front and side of the main building is the new 10,000 square foot Emergency Department (ED). The project is building a new triage area, secure holding and isolation rooms, and expanding bed capacity from four beds to eleven to meet demand and improve patient flow.
A bird's eye view of the Emergency Department construction zone.
The project will include a new triage area and expand bed capacity.
Construction of the new entrance to the Emergency Department.
A separate project adds a third floor to the Clinical Addition and consolidates the OEF/OIF and Women Veterans’ Healthcare programs.
The OEF/OIF and Women's Health programs will be located
within the third floor expansion which is underway.
We are designing a 10,000 square foot Hospice and Palliative Care Addition to provide enhanced end of life care in a comforting, home-like setting.
Other projects include new interior and exterior signage, extending the Clinical Addition elevators, repairing sidewalks and curbs, building a walking trail with exercise stations, and a new outdoor pavilion.
Several infrastructure & renovation projects improve our chiller and boiler plants, while others replace the Medical Center’s cooling tower and air handlers.
It’s a very busy year and we’re looking forward to it! Come back often for new pictures and updates as we make progress!
posted 5/26/10
Weekend Excitement at VW Jetta TDI Cup
Joshua Fry, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and an employee of the Wilmington VA Medical Center won two tickets to the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup held at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ on May 8 and 9. Josh, a racing enthusiast, was invited to attend the event as military Guest of Honor by A. J. Nealey, race car driver, competitor and supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project.
It started with A.J. getting in touch with Wilmington’s Voluntary Service Officer, Pat Caldwell. He asked if she knew a veteran who would like to be his guest. Pat suggested Josh, who has been into racing most of his life, although he never raced himself. Josh, a big fan of quarter-mile races (he prefers the more low-key races to NASCAR), was thrilled to be asked. Josh, his brother, father and four year-old nephew were given a tour of the hospitality suite, the technical center and the garage that housed all the cars. Josh was presented with several gifts and invited to sign his name on one of the gold stars painted on the hood of A.J.’s car. During the races, a VW Shuttle van transported Josh and his family around the track to view the action from the best vantage points. Cars in different classes raced all weekend.
Joshua Fry, a returning OEF/OIF Veteran and Wilmington VAMC employee,
stands with A. J. Nealey, race car driver, at the VW Jetta TDI Cup.
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup gears itself toward young, up-and-coming drivers between the ages of 16 and 26. They compete on road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s. This is A.J.’s last year in the race. He was sponsored by Volkswagen. A.J. came in 5th, up from 12th place in 2009. His racing career goal is to compete in the American Le Mans Series.
posted 5/21/10
Delaware Military Heritage Banners
Throughout May the Wilmington VA Medical Center will be displaying banners from the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation. The banners are in the first floor elevator lobby of the Medical Center and display information about Delaware’s military history and the foundation.
The Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation is a private nonprofit organization; their goals include preserving Delaware’s military history that dates from the 1600s to present day. The Foundation collects military artifacts (including insignia, uniforms, books, letters etc), gathers oral histories, and sponsors lectures and seminars to extend education about military history "so that coming generations will understand the values of courage, loyalty and responsibility that inspire such service." The Foundation is also working opening a Delaware Military Museum.
Executive Director Stephanie Przybylek came to help set up the banners. She stated that the Foundation wants to "create a facility to honor the veterans." Peg Tigue, Director of Development, added "We want them to know it’s all about them."
If you or your family has any materials related to Delaware’s military history, and would like to donate them, please contact the Delaware Military Heritage and Education Foundation by visiting MilitaryHeritage.org for more information about upcoming events.
posted 5/17/10
2010 Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow
Often described as an art and a science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers.
Nurses work in emergency rooms, school based clinics, and homeless shelters, to name a few. Nurses have many roles – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and serve all of them with passion for the profession and with a strong commitment to patient safety.
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
posted 5/6/10
New Coffee Shop
Thinking about a sip of frappuccino or a bite of a cinnamon chip scone? Whatever you fancy, your taste buds will be indulged with Starbucks beverages and baked goods from the coffeehouse. Located in the main lobby of the Wilmington VA Medical Center, the new café is serving basic Starbucks beverages with a variety of baked goods supplied by a Starbucks vendor. Salads and sandwiches will be provided by the Wilmington VAMC Canteen. Seasonal drinks promoting different holidays will be offered, with flavors changing throughout the year.
The "turning over the key" ceremony took place on April 14, 2010 with Network Director, Michael E. Moreland, FACHE and other VA officials present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Facilities coffeehouse construction crew pose with
Mike Moreland, FACHE, VISN 4 Director. (Not pictured: Mark Taylor)
The café's creation is a great example of VA teamwork. The team included Charles "Chuck" M. Dorman, FACHE and Director; Claude Lacombe, Acting Maintenance and Repair Supervisor; Thomas Kohler, Chief, Canteen Service; William England, Chief, Facilities and Engineering; and Mark Taylor, Engineering Technician. Mr. Dorman initiated the concept of a café similar to cafés that sell Starbucks brand beverages and baked goods in other VA medical centers.
VA leadership team cuts the ribbon and
opens the new Ambulatory Surgery suite.
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Mr. England approached Mr. Lacombe with the idea, thinking a construction firm would need to be hired. After discussing it with him, they decided the Maintenance and Repair Section could handle the job. Mr. Lacombe and his group designated the area at the far end of the main lobby as an appropriate space and as they proceeded to design and build the café, Mr. Taylor acted as liaison between the Canteen service and Facilities. While fulfilling their daily hospital-related commitments, Mr. Lacombe’s group had the electricity, plumbing, carpentry, painting and other necessities done in three weeks. An outside contractor installed the new flooring.
With the long glass windows of the Outpatient Clinic radiating an atrium feel and the low foliage behind the glass providing privacy, the café extends an open, welcoming and relaxed ambience. The coffeehouse is being stocked and the planned opening date is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, 2010. The coffeehouse hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Medical Center staff and visitors are welcome to stop by!
posted 4/15/10 ~ submitted by Julia Gill
VA Physician, Volunteer & Humanitarian
Immediately after the earthquake in Haiti caused massive damage to buildings and inhabitants, organizations worldwide mobilized to aid the country. The tragedy changed the face of Haiti and changed the perspectives of the volunteers who donated their time and expertise to help.
Dr. Enrique Guttin is the Chief of Staff at the Wilmington VA Medical Center as well as a surgeon. He is also a Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) volunteer.
This past February, Dr. Guttin got the "call to action", with little time to collect supplies, update his vaccinations and get ready to head to Haiti. He flew to Atlanta on February 5, 2010, just as the snow from one of the biggest storms of the 2009-2010 winter started to fall. He met a team there, many of whom had been called to disasters before. One member helped him identify some extra supplies he would need like energy bars, toilet paper and they bought candy that the team on the ground in Haiti had asked for.
Dr. Guttin left Atlanta the next day on a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) plane for Haiti. The main "international" airport in Haiti is tiny and when he got there it was crowded with people, many of whom were volunteers as well. Every other available square foot was covered in crates with medical supplies, food, water, clothes and other essentials that were being shipped in continuously.
On his way to the hospital from the airport, Dr. Guttin viewed the scene of destruction, and it was staggering. Besides the broken buildings and ruptured streets, there were no municipal services to collect trash so it littered the ground in piles. The sewers were broken, and there was no running water or electricity. In every available clear space, tent cities arose, built with sticks and any foraged materials that could be found. One of the few buildings left standing was the American Embassy, rising high among all the rubble.
A view of one street's devastation in Port Au Prince, Haiti.
The building in the background is totally destroyed, rubble from in the
foreground is all that's left of the building where the photo was taken.
The field hospital where Dr. Guttin was assigned was located in the courtyard of a destroyed school. Next to the hospital was a large tent city which was located in a former slum. Although the country had been shaken by the damage, there was still looting and a very real risk of violence towards aid volunteers. Protecting the staff was a unit from the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Medics from the unit also helped take care of patients.
The field hospital was not a "bricks and mortar" building but a collection of tents. There were tents for Intensive Care, Pharmacy, the Surgical suite, the Operating room and separate tents for patient wards and bathrooms. Dr. Guttin and the other volunteers slept in a tent as well, in cots covered with mosquito netting. The days were intense. Staff rose at 5:00 a.m., and started the morning with a meeting at about 6:00 a.m. Rounds followed the meeting and doctors and nurses began seeing patients. Many of the Haitians that were seen in the hospital were returning for post-amputation care. Some were seen and sent home, others were admitted with various diseases including active tuberculosis.
Dr. Guttin treated one little girl who had lost half her foot in a collapsing building. She came every day for wound care. She was a staff favorite, even though she would not allow the doctors or nurses to touch her. She would unwrap her bandages and the staff would pass her the supplies to clean and re-bandage her wound.
In addition to the many patients who came with injuries and illness, women came to have babies. Since there were no maternity staff available, Dr. Guttin performed his first C-section in thirty-five years. In fact, it was an exclusively VA staff team from the surgeon to the anesthesiologist to the nurse.
To prepare for surgical cases, there was a small wash station with water that had been purified, as well as stations nearby the Surgery tent to prep surgical equipment. However, the wash station would flood when the used water overflowed, leaking water into nearby tents. Dr. Guttin and company were resourceful and not to be deterred. Dr. Guttin built a "field-expedient" irrigation system from a wash sink out of spare tubing and duct tape so the area around the hospital wouldn’t flood.
Dr. Enrique Guttin closes a
wound on a patient in the
Surgical Tent.
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In addition to the surgical equipment, there were adequate supplies available to the team, although there were some equipment items the team needed, such as an X-ray machine. One came shortly before Dr. Guttin arrived; a gift from the actor Sean Penn, who personally had the portable machine flown in.
After the day’s patients had been seen, an evening meeting was held, followed by evening rounds. The staff dined on military rations known as MREs (Meal Ready to Eat). Many hospital staff ate only about half a ration at a time, as a MRE is designed for combat troops carrying heavy loads. Coffee cups were carved from leftover water bottles. At around 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. the volunteers would head to bed. However, sleep was not without its troubles.
Four diesel generators ran night and day providing power, but the noise and fumes made sleep difficult. "Using the facilities" meant filling and carrying a bucket of water from a wash station near the surgical tent, to prime the toilet because there was no running water. At night, Dr. Guttin’s only light source was a headpiece with a flashlight, making navigation difficult but providing a beacon for swarms of mosquitoes.
The trip was not without its rewards. Dr. Guttin found the people of Haiti to be a very stoic and dignified people. They were polite, always saying "thank you" to their caregiver. He spent almost two weeks in Haiti and was ready to stay longer. At the end of his tour, the field hospital was becoming a community hospital, and seeing more outpatients and less surgical cases.
Dr. Guttin came home with pictures and an extraordinary story. By volunteering his time and making a difference in the lives of both Veterans and anyone else in need, Dr. Guttin exemplifies what VA staff are all about.
Dr. Guttin poses with his surgical team and members of the 82nd Airborne Division.
posted 4/15/10 ~ submitted by Lauren Skomorucha
Mama Goose
It’s spring. What comes to mind in spring? Well, for most people its warm weather, romance, gardening and (ugh) spring cleaning. For the Wilmington VA Medical Center, it’s the annual visit from a controversial, unsolicited couple – a pair of Canada Geese.
The geese are a topic of discussion and some debate. Why? Exit through the front entrance, turn right and look up. A black head with vigilant, beady eyes will be staring at you from her perch in the concrete planter. Sitting on her nest, Mama Goose will see you before you see her. You can get close to Mama, but not too close.
"Hey!! What are YOU lookin' at?!"
Canada geese are aggressive. They will defend their young and attack intruders if they feel threatened. A "Google search" on Canada geese yields the following: "... nest sites are located near water and often on islands. Nest sites are chosen to offer some protection from exposure to wind while giving the incubating female a clear line of sight to detect approaching predators." Hence, Mama perched high in the hard-to-reach planter. Getting back to why they’re controversial, Google also states that "geese drop a pound and a quarter of droppings per day per goose". Remember, the nest is at the main entrance and, at this point in time, there are only two geese... ‘nuff said.
 Canada geese mate for life. If a mate dies, the surviving goose will find a new mate. They breed earlier in the season than other birds, often as early as March. Usually, four to seven eggs are laid. The incubation period lasts 25-33 days. During this period, the male is nearby standing guard in case the nest is threatened or the female leaves the nest. The female will leave the nest only for brief intervals to feed, drink and bathe. Female Canada geese will return each year to the vicinity where their parents nested, and they will usually use the same nest sites.
Aside from her intense, drill-like stare, Mama seems content. Take a look at her in her planter. It’s comical, heart-warming and affirming; the cycle of life begins anew.
It must be spring!
posted 3/31/10 ~ submitted by Julia Gill
VA Team More than a Match for Snowstorms
Despite dangerous conditions and innumerable inconveniences, the staff and volunteers of the Wilmington VA Medical Center went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the Veterans continued to get the excellent care they’ve earned. Delaware is slowly recovering from two major storms that dropped a total of over four feet of snow over much of the Delmarva area.
VA Medical Center staff worked extra shifts or remained at work throughout the declared state of emergency to provide coverage, while others braved the snowy and icy conditions to relieve those who had been on duty from twenty four to seventy two straight hours. The staff came together in adversity to maintain patient care services without interruption despite the havoc caused by the snowstorms.
Pat Caldwell, Chief of Voluntary Service, stayed at the hospital since 6:00 a.m. from Wednesday to Thursday, February 10-11. During her overnight stay she provided tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to the staff to warm their spirits. Pat also organized a friendly poker game with the residents of the Community Living Center. She stated that in a disaster like the snowstorm, "Everyone just works together."
Volunteers also made the trek in despite the weather. Ray Hiltner ventured to the hospital both Wednesday and Thursday to provide escort services, getting Veterans to where the needed to go in the Medical Center. Ray’s contribution of his time and effort greatly eased the pressure on other staff, allowing them to concentrate on other tasks.
Physical Therapy was on site throughout the storm, providing inpatient and outpatient services, including caring for one Veteran who came from downstate Delaware despite the conditions. Jeff Griffith, Physical Therapist, stated that he was "...glad we were here for him".
All around the facility, and with the snow and winds roaring outside, people who stayed the night slept where they could. Diana Bruce, Radiology Supervisor, said that the majority of their staff came in and decided to stay and provide support. She mentioned that "the whole hospital really pitched in," and that "we really are our own little family." She and other staff, including the Chiefs of Surgery and VA Police, one physician and the Medical Center Director made and delivered popcorn to those who had stayed over as a "thank you" for their contributions.
While the hospital made sleeping arrangements, Nutrition and Food Services made sure that everyone had plenty to eat. In addition to the inpatient meals, they ensured that those who had been working though the night received hot meals. The staff made meals for the grounds crew, which spent the duration of the storm shoveling and plowing the parking lots and walkways so that Veterans, staff and visitors could enter safely.
Two Pharmacists and a Pharmacy Tech also stayed to provide coverage. "Everybody pulled together and did a fantastic job." said Mary Cole, Assistant Pharmacy Chief.
Police officers made rounds and checked on both patients and staff. Officers Nate Brown and Dan Headley spent the night on Wednesday in order to be here Thursday morning. VA Police Chief Susan Noel stayed three days straight.
Pulling together was the common thread. Employees pitched in wherever they were needed, in addition to their regular jobs. Many offered rides to those who could not make to work. Some helped by clearing snow off fellow employees’ cars. Everyone pitched in and helped; and through dedicated teamwork, the Wilmington VA was able to accomplish its mission.
Throughout the interviews with staff and volunteers, the words "family" and "team" came up over and over. In the face of adversity, in this case, a large snowstorm, staff struggled to make it in, or stayed over to make sure that their areas had enough of what they needed to function. They worked together as a team, and a family, to continue to provide the caring and a warm environment for the Veterans entrusted to them.
Facilities staff members Gregg Jones, Bill Pennell and James Todd work hard to remove mountains of snow.
Pat Caldwell and John Lafferty of Voluntary Service stand with Volunteer Ray Hiltner provide hot beverages to Veterans and staff.
Emergency Room staff members Pam Howell, Shana Dalton, and June Sanchez enjoy a popcorn break during the storm.
Ellen Sisco (in lab coat) and her staff fed employees and patients during both storms.
Chief of Surgery Dr. Bruce Panasuk delivers popcorn to staff, while Charles Dorman, Director looks on.
posted 2/22/10 ~ submitted by Lauren Skomorucha
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Veteran's receiving services at the Wilmington Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Georgetown Delaware were the recipients of an overwhelming outpouring of support this holiday season.
The 36th Troupe of Re-Creation performed for residents, staff, family, and friends in the Wilmington VAMC Community Living Center (CLC) on Wednesday afternoon,
July 21, 2010. The group is cited by The Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge as “America’s Ambassadors to Hospitalized Veterans”. It was their second show since forming the troupe a month ago. The troupe is traveling to all fifty states spreading joy to our nation’s Veterans during the next year.
