Hampton VA Medical Center

I visit the Hampton VA twice a year to maintain an active status in the VA system. They are not my primary medical providers but Dr. Wing and the intake nurses are friendly, professional and inquisitive. I schedule my appointments six months in advance. Parking is a nightmare but they offer valet service if you don't want to make the long walk from any of the parking lots.

As a 35 year old veteran I was admitted due to renal failure. The nurses were rude and inattentive. I was basically told I’m the youngest person in the hospital so my needs come last. Only one nurse was actually caring (Jessica). The doctors the majority interns talk at you and not to you. Simple requests such as taking a shower took hours. To the point I just said forget it I’ll do it myself. I ended leaving against the advice of doctors because nothing was being done and I was sick of being ignored due to my age. It’s sad I served my country and when I need help I’m denied.

Recently went to what was supposed to be my yearly check up. Tried to discuss some of my issues with the intake nurse she told me “she (my PCP) doesn’t have time to talk about all that so what is my primary concern” that was just the first issue. My biggest problem is when I did talk to my PCP I felt extremely rushed. Then she decided to discuss my labs from 6 months ago and asked “do you know you have diabetes?” My face was stunned and I immediately got angry and she “cleared it up” and she oh no you’re pre-diabetic....I cannot make this stuff up. I’m not a doctor but isn’t it the doctors responsibility to review labs and call to say hey we need to talk because you are borderline diabetic!

I have only recently started going to the VA, but I am impressed by the care and attention that I have been given. Today I witnessed (overheard) a patient get downright rude with one of front desk staff members in Physical Rehabilitation. She apologized for his frustration and told him that she would be back with someone who could help him. Other than that place being a maze the likes of The Amazing Race (someone always asks those of us seemingly wandering in circles - thanks!), I give them a big thumbs up! Thanks for what you do!

My husband spent 22 years active duty in the US Navy and has suffered hearing loss from working so many years in engine rooms on a variety of Navy ships! Unfortunately, his hearing cannot be fixed surgically! So he depends on getting hearing aids from the Hampton VA Medical Center in the Audiology Department to basically increase the volume of his hearing. This is a constant and on-going situation as his hearing is forever getting worse! He got a new pair of hearing aids two months ago and just had to go back a week ago to get another new pair of hearing aids! As his wife I am very thankful that my husband is able to go to the Hampton VA Medical Center and receive the necessary care that he needs from the Audiology Department! However, at the same time I am extremely upset that my husband NEVER received the proper training or necessary safety equipment that would have prevented damage to his hearing! In the first place! If he had he would not be having hearing problems now!