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Topeka VA hospital may switch to urgent care. Here’s what to know

Topeka Capital Journal - 3/26/2021

If Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center is converted into an urgent care facility, veterans needing more intensive care would be directed to one of Topeka’s community hospitals.

Neither Stormont Vail or the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus have been advised of the transition, but leaders are monitoring the situation.

Topeka City Council member Spencer Duncan said he is hearing from veterans concerned about the proposed changes. Duncan said he contacted congressional staffers asking for help.

“Veterans, some of them, prefer and are more comfortable using services at VA hospitals,” he said. “We also know that VA hospitals tend to be more prepared and ready on how to deal with veterans who have very specific issues.”

Duncan said he wants to know what backup plans exist for veterans needing care. He also is worried key

positions won’t be filled.

Rudy Klopfer, CEO of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, said the VA is working through community concerns.

Reduction in staff wouldn’t involve layoffs

While an urgent care facility wouldn’t need as many registered nurses, for example, Klopfer said those employees would be transitioned to other roles to best help an urgent care facility.

The changes could involve 70-100 fewer staff members working at the VA in Topeka over the coming years. Klopfer said the VA would reduce staff without laying anyone off, instead opting to not fill some positions as they become vacant.

Klopfer said he regularly talks with hospitals in the area but hasn’t talked with either Stormont Vail or the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus about potential changes.

Nancy Burkhardt, director of marketing and communications for St. Francis, said the hospital does have the additional capacity needed to care for patients if the VA converts into an urgent care.

“We have not had conversations with the VA about this at this time, but we talk and collaborate often with them, so if they do make changes, we will work with them to ensure continuity of care for VA patients in our community,” Burkhardt said.

Matt Lara, Stormont Vail’s public relations specialist, said the hospital will continue to monitor the VA to determine how “our health system can support this community.”

The VA in Topeka has about 12 beds between its ICU and medical beds.

VA’s intensive care unit not full

Michael Leeson, chief of staff for VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, said he can’t remember the last time the VA’s intensive care unit was full. He said common diagnoses include back pain and headaches.

The VA’s emergency room might not be busy overnight and may not warrant a fully staffed team also. Klopfer said other hospitals in the community also care for veterans and can help provide medical care if the hospital is converted.

Hospital officials told The Topeka Capital-Journal they have heard from people — some concerned about the changes and some excited for what is to come. Pparts of the proposal still need to be figured out, like how the VA will care for patients once the urgent care closes for the day.

Klopfer said those details are being discussed now, and he is hoping to finish a proposal by June. The VA has weekly meetings with staff where they can voice any concerns they have about the transition.

“We are here committed to serve the veterans,” he said. “Organizations do change; other variables around them change. If we are not changing, I think we are missing an opportunity to be more excellent than we have been.”

Blaise Mesa, Topeka Capital-Journal USA TODAY NETWORK