James J. Howard Outpatient Clinic

Thomas Strube

I've seen an overall decline at this facility since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The posted hours online are incorrect, the phone service number stated the facility was closed, reflecting the times that are posted online. It is impossible to leave a message or have anyone call you back. The personnel at the front desk come and go at their own leisure, it doesn't matter to them if you were standing in line for 20+ minutes, their coffees are more important. I witnessed an employee at the front desk playing with a small green water gun, pointing it at her coworkers, no consideration to those who may have mental health issues or suffering through PTSD. The turnover in the medical staff is absurd, you would be lucky to have the same doctor for more of a year, which is discouraging for younger veterans and probably the main reason for high costs across the VA in general. The VA social worker assigned to the location is NEVER physically there or is never available unless you agree to a virtual appointment. They will set up video appointments weeks out, then cancel day before. Patients seeking mental health care, are pushed to "virtual video appointments" because they don't have an permanent assigned psychologist. Recap: Poor interactions with front desk personnel, incorrect posted information online and in person, outdated phone services, poor management, zero notifications when doctors leave location, lack of compassion, employees appear to be on their own program... They treat veterans like they are giving a handout... NO respect!

Mark

I have been going here for years. It takes a while to get an appointment BUT the service is fantastic and you can get whatever you need done.

Ed Mays

Excellent service over my 33 yrs care there but the phone service is wholly unsatisfactory. No personal pickups and no return calls and at times no warmth from front desk personnel.

Coreen Onnembo

My 99 yr old Dad was in the Coast Guard during the Normandy Invasion/World War II. The Brick clinic has been his choice for medical care since he moved to the shore area over 35 years ago. Prior to that he used to go to the East Orange VA Hospital The staff has treated my father with respect and dignity since the day he first walked in their door. I became my Dad's caretaker three years ago so personally can verify the professionalism and compassion shared not only with my Dad but every veteran I meet while there. I communicate via the "My Vet ..." website and have never had to wait for an answer to a concern, emergency prescriptions or appointment confirmation. The staff greats us with a smile and when they see my Dad make a point to say hello & listen when he wants to talk about his love of the VA. As an outsider looking in, I can say without the VA my father might not be with us today. We recently lost our Mom, his wife of 68 years. Dad has great difficulty accepting her loss . The members of his medical team call or check in via the web to be sue he's ok. I can't say enough about the staff at the James J. Howard Clinic. Hopefully our government will provide a new facility for them in the future.They sure do deserve it!