Issue 27 - Winter 2008 - VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

A Message from theDirectorUniversity DrivePittsburgh, PA 152401-866 4 VA PITT(1-866-482-7488)Check out our Web site at:www.va.gov/pittsburghTerry Gerigk Wolf, FACHEDirectorRajiv Jain, MDChief of StaffBonnie Graham, MBAAssociate DirectorIra Richmond, RN, CNAAAssociate Director forPatient Care ServicesWilliam MillsActing Associate Directorfor Site ManagementThe VA PittsburghWorking Together(1999-2008)is published for the employees,volunteers, patients and friends ofthe VA Pittsburgh HealthcareSystem. To submit articles, editorials,letters or story ideas for possibleinclusion, please contact DavidCowgill at412-365-4052 or via e-mail:david.cowgill@va.govEditorDavid E. CowgillPublic & CommunityRelations CoordinatorDesign & LayoutRodney E. BoyceCreative DirectorSquare Peg DesignPhotographyWarren ParkGlenn HangardOn the Cover:The $200 million major construction projectprogresses. Top: University Drive Parking GarageBottom: Heinz Division Residential LivingVillas (left) and Administration Building (right).WARREN PARK AND GLENN HANGARD PHOTOSWARREN PARK PHOTODear Fellow Employees, Volunteers, Veterans and Friends of VAPHS,Aswe continue to progress into the new year and look back on the past year, Iwould like to take the opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishmentswe have achieved and the challenges we’ve overcome. Our MRSA prevention programhas been rolled out in all VA medical centers nationwide and many private sectorfacilities are emulating our successful practices.We opened a new emergency departmentand implemented several new behavioralhealth care services. We also unveiled a new eyeclinic and a spacious pharmacy waiting area.After challenging times for employees and veteranswith limited parking, I am proud to saythat our brand new, 1,500-space parking garageat University Drive is now open.Terry Gerigk Wolf, FACHE,Director, VA PittsburghHealthcare SystemI would like to thank all employees who participatedin this year’s VHA All Employee Survey.VAPHS’s response rate of over 94% was amongthe highest in the nation. Based on the results,we have developed our next steps in buildingan even stronger workplace across VAPittsburgh. Supervisors held staff meetings to review results and to develop actionsto improve individual work areas. I look forward to seeing more of the importantchanges made as a result. Turn to page four to find out more about the survey andthe results.One of the most importantcomponents of a positivework environment is safety.Thanks to our premierPolice Service, all of thepatients, employees, andvisitors to VAPHS can feelcomfortable in a safe environment.The back coverexplains just how extraordinaryour Police Service hasbecome.This issue of “Working Together” also spotlights a few of the many outstandingaccomplishments acheived by our dedicated staff.Sincerely,Terry Gerigk Wolf, FACHEDirector, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemTerry Gerigk Wolf continues her successful workin actively partnering with the VAPHS Police torevitalize the service, including enhancing training.WARREN PARK PHOTO2