Sarasota VA Clinic

Mike Reffuge

Having heard horror stories about the mistreatment and neglect of veterans at the hands of the V.A., I was at once angered and saddened, and also inclined to add my thoughts to the mix. I am a 46 year old Army infantry veteran, and as such, feel strongly that our country's veterans must be treated in a manner commensurate with the level of sacrifice made by such brave men and women. It is unthinkable that the very government that would ask, and in many cases compel, it's citizens to give so much, would leave them to suffer the often permanent consequences with inadequate or neglectful care. That having been said, in the more than ten years that I have sought care at the Sarasota C.B.O.C., I have always been treated with respect. All of the staff has been outstanding in every way. All of my care has been provided in a timely manner. I have been treated with respect every step of the way by everyone from the nurses to the doctors to whomever answers the phone and does the scheduling. I have been seen for emergencies, routine checkups, multiple surgeries, lab work and physical therapy. They have all been patient and thorough and not once have I felt rushed or neglected. For me, the Bay Pines healthcare system, especially the Sarasota Clinic has been invaluable. In closing, while we must hold those accountable for the wrongs we cannot right, so must we celebrate those that have done and continue to do so much good for so many. Thanks for reading. CPL. Mike Reffuge U.S. Army, Infantry, (SEP.)

Renda Cain

I was there a couple of weeks ago. I had an appointment at eight in the morning and I arrived fifteen minutes early as I was told to do. I checked in at the kiosk. I literally sat there for three hours and everyone kept going in ahead of me. When I asked the girls at the front desk, they just said that the doctor was running late. I grabbed a nurse and it was not my doctor's nurse but he said he would help me and he was very helpful. It seems that I was never triaged. He triaged me even though he was not the nurse of my doctor. Once I got to see the doctor, I really was very happy with her. She was professional and apologized for the mishap. I am not going to bring it up again because perhaps this was just a mistake. If it happens again though, I will probably not use this clinic again.

Bill Logan

I recently moved From Oregon and was unable to find a private doctor right away. I was living in a travel trailer and wasn’t sure where I was going to end up. I’ve always had private health insurance through my employer, able to go anywhere and use it when needed. In many ways VA health care is the same for veterans. They are able to access an American Government Health Care system (VA) that many non-veterans are not, I consider myself very privileged and grateful to have both. If it were possible I would give one up to a non veteran or any individual unable to pay for health care for themselves and their families. It’s just not fair to the rest of society who just can’t afford it. I want to thank VA and all the doctors, nurses, and employees who help those in need. Your providing great care.. Thank you

Kristabelle Gruchow

Both my husband and I are younger veterans new to the area requesting VA care. We have been here four weeks with multiple interactions in this clinic. This is very limited parking in the mornings, and none on Monday orientation days. The lab tech drew blood from my husband without changing gloves from the previous patient or checking what labs were needed (so my husband had to give more blood samples after meeting with his doctor). It's taken my husband four weeks and calling/getting hung up on/transferred to nurses/pharmacists and admin to get refills for his blood pressure meds and blood thinners. The lab threw away my sample despite a lab order from my doctor requesting samples, delaying my cultures because I had to go back two days later, and now I cannot get my doctor's nurse to call me back on what the samples showed and how I am suppose to address my elevated white blood count/blood in my urine. It's some sort of infection, made more alarming by the fact that I'm 10 weeks pregnant. I was referred to choice program for maternity care, and trying to get my first appointment (which they have to schedule) is like pulling teeth. It's just been a terrible, terrible experience, and very frustrating for veterans seeking care. It really seems like no one cares about us there. My husband and I transferred from the Minneapolis VA, which was pretty good, so that's our basis of comparison.