James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital - Tampa, Florida

Situation Update

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020 8:27 AM EDT

Check Back for Future Updates

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is committed to the safety of our patients and employees during this unprecedented global public health crisis. We remain in constant communication with employees and Veterans regarding operations to ensure their well-being.

Clinic Closures and Limited Services

In keeping with our goals of protecting patients and preserving our health care workforce, starting Monday, March 30, we will close certain offsite clinics and facilities, keep some open and scale operations back at others.  Please see the Facility Status section below.  In addition to those listed below, the statuses for other sites are:

• Domiciliary - Normal business hours
• Mental Health Clinic, 46th Street, Tampa - Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Outpatient Pharmacy (Drive thru only) - Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7:45 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
• Tampa Eye Clinic - Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• 46th Street Home Based Primary Care - Staff only for supply pick-up
• Compensation and Pension - Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• PRRC - Closed
• Physical Therapy, 46th Street, Tampa - Closed
• Audiology - Closed

Access and Shuttle Changes Effective Friday, March 27

In order to streamline our screening process and conserve resources, several changes will be happening effective Friday, March 27:

- The Main Lobby Entrance will close.  Designated entry points will be:

• Polytrauma/SCI - 24-hour coverage;
• Emergency Department - 24-hour coverage;
• RTU/131st Avenue - Monday-Friday, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

- Screening will also be available in the Parking Garage with wrist bands available in the event you will be exiting and reentering the facility or being seen in a different building.

- The Freedom Lot shuttle will be discontinued. Veterans needing transportation assistance should park in the Parking Garage where they can be screened and get a tram ride to the entrance.  If you do not need a tram, you can proceed directly to one of the designated entry points for screening.

- Clinic-to-clinic shuttles for patients will be discontinued, as well as the shuttle from JAHVH to Bay Pines, but transportation is available on a case-by-case basis.  Veterans should call 813-972-2000, extension 5881, or 813-816-5739 if they need transportation.

Visitor Policy Update

Effective March 24, visitors will no longer be permitted to enter the facility (including to see inpatients or accompany patients to appointments). Exceptions include end-of-life situations or if the visitor is a caregiver and the patient relies on said caregiver for transportation and mobility. Children under the age of 18 are also not permitted at this time. We understand that this places a hardship on family members and loved ones, but safety is our primary concern right now. We encourage you to use phone calls, FaceTime, text and Skype to stay in touch with loved ones. We must protect our patients, staff and you. Thank you for understanding and be well.

Drive-Thru Triage Starts Today

JAHVH has set-up a drive-thru triage screening area at the parking garage located on the main hospital grounds at 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.  The drive-thru triage service will be available 24 hours per day 7 days per week starting today at 1 p.m. until further notice.  This is designed to provide a safe and rapid screen for people who are experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other flu/coronavirus like symptoms.

When you arrive at the drive-thru triage area, please remain in your vehicle and proceed to the clearly marked in-vehicle screening station where you will be evaluated by a medical provider.    

Our top priority is the safety of our employees and patients. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We will continue to keep you informed as we adapt to the evolving needs of this situation. Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), flu or cold are encouraged to contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 (toll free).  Clinical staff provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage.  This service is available at no cost to Veterans enrolled for care in VISN 8. Click here for more information about COVID-19.