VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Despite rainy ... · accompanied with some short-term parking constrictions and short-term growing pains for Employees, Veterans and families.

Ambulatory Care Center

NEWSNovember 2019 Volume 2

Despite rainy weather’s impacts, construction still on schedule for new Ambulatory Care Center

VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System

By Kevin HynesVA NWIHCS

See ACC on 3.

Photo by Kevin Hynes

Battling Through The Elements: Construction workers battle muddy conditions in mid-October as they work on the new Ambulatory Care Center in Omaha.

OMAHA, Neb. – Unseasonably – and in some cases historic – wet weather continued to make an impact on the construction of the new VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System’s Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). Yet, despite rains that often left major parts of the construction area mired in mud and water, work continued ahead full steam.

“The October Omaha weather has seen record high accumulations for rain fall, (which) impacted certain site activities due to water pooling,” said Billy Marvel, VA senior resident engineer who has been overseeing the design and construction of the $86 million ACC since mid-2017. “But, it looks like the season is finally changing and (many) site activities have moved forward.”

For example, over the past month construction crews have been installing the limestone walls to what will one day become the Healing Garden while also installing the exterior limestone facades along the western side of the building. Additionally, along with preparing the south side of the building for metal panels, major Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) piping and ductwork is also in the process of being installed throughout the building.

Probably the most visible installations have occurred on the north side of the building where irregularly shaped metal work and

windows are being installed. Called, “The Flag Wall,” when

completed the windows will resemble the folds and creases of an unfolded American flag.

According to Marvel, work is still proceeding on schedule. November, he added, will be a big month.

“The ACC will be substantially enclosed in November,” he said. “Underground steam lines are being placed and interconnected with the current boiler plant steam supply. Currently, in November the first steam lines will go live and heat exchanges will be placed to heat the

Garden Entrance: Construction workers install a limestone retaining wall that will serve as the primary entrance to the future “Healing Garden”

Photo by Billy Marvel

Ambulatory Care Center News2 November 2019

Light at end of tunnel as parking ramp construction begins

B. Don BurmanVA NWIHCS

Director

Greetings and happy November.It has been a busy few weeks since

our last Ambulatory Care Center Newsletter as progress on our many construction projects across the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System continue to pick up steam.

For example, our Fisher House and the ACC are both rapidly taking shape on our Omaha campus, while work on our future community-based outpatient clinics in Norfolk, Lincoln, North Platte, Holdrege and Shenandoah continue. We have additionally opened the third of our three dedicated Whole Health clinics in Omaha, which will provide our Veterans outstanding facilities in which to receive continuing care.

We have also seen another important milestone this month that we have all been eagerly awaiting: the beginning of our five-story parking garage on the northern border of our Omaha campus.

As you are all aware, parking has become a significant and ongoing issue in Omaha for more than a year. This issue has only grown in complexity as more of our much-needed construction projects take place, futher limiting already compressed parking spaces.

Unfortunately, the start of the parking ramp, which will ultimately bring with numerous new parking stalls, has further limited parking on the Omaha campus through roughly

the Thanksgiving weekend when around 140 parking stalls currently being built in front of the ACC will be returned to us for use by our Veterans.

But, this is really a good news story for us. By starting the parking garage now before winter truly sets in, construction crews will be able to complete important subservice work that will enable the parking garage to be completed by late next summer or early next autumn. That will easily cut approximately six months off of the original estimated completion date. Or, to put it another way, by starting the project now, we will have to deal with only one winter of parking problems instead of two.

So, the light is truly at the end of the tunnel.

I and the entire executive staff know how much of a sacrifice the parking situation has been for our Veterans, their families, our employees and the surrounding community. We all appreciate that. And you have our gratitude.

We do know, though, that in the

interim period, we will continue to ask for your continued cooperation and support. For our VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System staff, this support includes maximizing our use of our current 636 Lot near the University of Nebraska Medical Center Staff and our Employee Shuttle Van system. It also includes limiting our impact upon our neighbors who live in the neighborhoods surrounding our Omaha VA Medical Center by not putting unfair or unsafe parking burdens upon them.

For our Veterans, we will also continue to do whatever it is we can possibly do to limit the impact that parking has upon you receiving your care here. This will include increased shuttle van services and ensuring that you continue to have priority placement within our parking lots.

Ultimately, as the director of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, I know we cannot ever hope to successfully navigate the next few months without the cooperation and support of all of our teammates: Veterans, Veterans Families, volunteers, VA employees and our neighboring community. But, I remain extremely optimistic that we will navigate through this current short-term problem together for brighter days are truly just around the corner.

Thank you all for choosing VA.


Ribbon Wall to commemorate Veterans’ service, sacrifices

In the October 2019 edition of the Ambulatory Care Center News newsletter, we asked participants what the multi-colored wall on the west side of the ACC signified. We had a wide array of answers and we thank everyone who participated.

So, what does this multi-colored glass wall signify? Here is the answer, courtesy of the architectural and interior design submitted by Leo A. Daly:

Ribbon/Honor Wall“Honor is the lasting legacy of

our veterans. The ribbon racks that our service men and women wear on

their uniforms is more than just a list of accomplishments; it’s an outward symbol of the honor they hold in their hearts.”

“So, as to remind each person of this honor as they wall into the VA Ambulatory Care Clinic and Medical Center, the entry hall is filled with varying hues of glass panes that emulate the ribbons on a rack. As the day grows old and sunlight from the west bellows through the windows, an illuminating effect occurs, bathing all that walk down the corridor with a colorful warmth that represents the honor of our veterans.”

Honoring Service: A construction worker makes adjustment to the space above the “Ribbon Wall” that forms the western wall of the new clinic.


ACC interior.”Marvel said that current

work on the new parking space is also progressing as scheduled. “The ACC parking lot has progressed very well and is on track to be turned over at Thanksgiving,” Marvel said. “(That will) provide approximately 140 parking stalls.”

Additionally, Marvel said, work will continue to move forward to complete the ACC connector to the main facility, the glass Flag Wall will be completed and elevators will continue to be installed and completed by January 2020.

Still, Marvel admits, he’s keeping an eye on the weather

ACC continued from 1.

forecasts, knowing that Mother Nature still has a vote.

“We just need to stay in front of the upcoming snow.”

Ambulatory Care Center News 3November 2019


Soaring Above: Workers install the framing that will hold the future “Flag Wall” windows.


Midwestern Memories: The rockwork that lines the upper portions of the new Ambulatory Care Center are designed emulate limestone rock formations often found throughout Nebraska and western Iowa.

Laying Down The Infrastructure: Workers move dirt as they fill in a ditch holding steam lines running into the new Ambulatory Care Center.


Massive Project: The new “flag wall” will run the entire length of the north wall of the Ambulatory Care Center, providing a signficant view for patients.


Making A Connection: Construction workers work to place a new concrete floor connecting the Ambulatory Care Center to the main hospital at the Omaha VA Medical Center.



OMAHA, Neb. — Starting Nov. 2, initial construction began on the much-anticipated five-story parking garage on the northern border of the VA Nebraska-Western Nebraska Health Care System’s Omaha campus.

The construction actually began earlier than had been originally had been expected. However, based upon the updated construction schedule, the new $12 million parking structure will be completed by early next Autumn, or roughly six months earlier than originally expected.

Unfortunately, the good news was accompanied with some short-term parking constrictions and short-term growing pains for Employees, Veterans and families.

Here is a summary of the changes that went into effect starting Nov. 2, 2019:

Veterans Parking: Veterans Parking was located in the remaining two rows of the main lot on campus. Veterans Parking is also available at the Douglas County Health Center.

Veterans Parking will increase shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday with the return of roughly 140 parking

spots currently under construction near the Ambulatory Care Center project site.

Resident Parking: Resident Parking was relocated to the gravel parking spaces along the campus’ eastern tree line.

Carpool Parking: Carpool Parking was moved to the 50 designated spots at the Center Mall. These spots will no longer be numbered and be available on a first-come first-serve basis.

In addition, carpoolers will no longer be able to park their personal vehicles in the 636 lot. They must find an area outside of 636 to meet for their designated pickoff and drop off zone.

For more information about Omaha’s “Park and Ride” Program, to include designated locations, please check out the website at http://www.ometro.com/index.php/rider-guide/park-ride/

General Employee Parking: Employees will be allowed to park in those blue stalls not designated for carpoolers at the Center Mall. Employees can also continue to park in Lot 636.

Employee Shuttle Buses: Parking shuttles are currently running at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. All shuttles will use the designated pickup points at each lot.

636 has three pickup points for people utilizing this parking area.

The drop off point on main campus is the same as the pickup point by the bus stop except during times of extreme inclement weather when the transportation staff will try to drop off at the main door circle provided the bus doesn’t unnecessarily clog the street and create delays for Veterans.

Center Mall has one pickup point under the main awning. There will not be time for drivers to make multiple stops throughout the parking lot to accommodate more passengers. Employees need to be at the awning for pickup and will be dropped off at the awning when returning after your shift.

Main Campus shuttles will continue to run as normal, however there will be limited staffing, making it impossible to accommodate every person’s request for individual vehicle drop off and pick up.

Additional information as well as maps are available at the front information desk in the Omaha VAMC lobby as well as on www.nebraska.va.gov.

For more information, contact Steve Solsky at 402.995.5610. For information on the Shuttle Vans, please call 402-995-5878.

Construction begins on 5-story parking garage

Coming To Omaha In September 2020: An artist’s rendition of the new 5-story parking garage that will built along the northern border of the Omaha VA Medical Center campus. Construction on the project began in early November.


Fisher House rising quickly from ground in OmahanNew ‘home away from home’ $8 million gift to Nebraska, Western Iowa Veterans, families

OMAHA, Neb. – Typically, autumn in Nebraska means harvesting the crops that grew throughout the season.

At the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System’s Omaha VA Medical Center Campus, the seasons might seem a little reversed as the much-anticipated Fisher House project rapidly grows out of the soil in the northwestern corner of the facility. According to Colleen Vonderhaar, acting Fisher House manager, its been exciting to watch as Fisher House rapidly takes shape.

“Every time I look out my window, I see the continued progress,” Vonderhaar said. “It makes me so excited to know that in the very near future, this incredible house will be available to our Veterans and their loved ones. This is truly an amazing resource for the families we serve.”

The projected $8 million project, which is being funded by Fisher House Foundation, will feature 16 fully-furnished suites and serve as a “home away from home” for the families of Veterans and military Service Members receiving treatment at the Omaha VA Medical Center. The facility will feature a large kitchen and dining area, an elevator and a full laundry.

The Fisher House program, established in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, provides free temporary accommodations for family members of hospitalized Veterans and active duty military personnel. Fisher House Foundation and the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System are committed to improving the quality of life for U.S. military service men and women, Veterans, and their families and caregivers.

When completed, the Fisher House will be gifted to VA and will become a Federal building.

Since its groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 7, considerable progress

has been made on the building by the contracted construction crews. Foundations and floor slabs have been completed. Utilities have been roughed in throughout the structure. Underground plumbing has been installed. Framing is mostly complete.

And in late October, the roof began to be placed over the structure, allowing people to finally get a sense of what the finished house will look like.

“It’s so amazing to see how quickly this project is coming along,” Vonderhaar said. “The progress (the construction crews) make on a weekly basis has been something exciting to witness.”

But that isn’t the only work that has been done on the facility. Far from it, in fact.

According to Vonderhaar, the Omaha VAMC staff have also been busy ensuring that, once complete, Veterans and the families will be able to quickly make use of it.

“We’re working on all of the processes that will need to be in place prior to guest arrival, which includes development of the referral consult, after-hours check-in process, etc.,” she said. “We also working on all of the necessary contracts and agreement that will need to be in place, such as

laundry services, cable and internet, etc.” she said.

There’s a lot of work to be done, still, Vonderhaar said. Yet, considering the pace at which the project is moving along, it doesn’t take too much to get motivated to get things done.

“I hope that when people visit our campus and see this beautiful structure, they’ll see hope… and they’ll know how much they are supported here at our campus,” Vonderhaar said. “We are so excited to provide additional support to caregivers in a way we haven’t been able to before.”

Ambulatory Care Center News 5November 2019

Photo by Jeff Gates

Checking Out The Progress: Patrick Dawson, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System assistant director, and Colleen Vonderhaar, acting Fisher House manager, tour the Fisher House project site in late October.


Taking Shape: The Fisher House as seen from Woolworth Avenue in Omaha on Nov. 19 shows the dramatic work that has already been accomplished — including windows, doors and shingles — on the new facility.



Whole Health clinic opens to rave reviews in Omaha; Three clinics now offering services

OMAHA, Neb. – For over two years, the staff of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System’s Whole Health program have been working hard building the tools they need to provide Veterans with alternative health care options.

On Oct. 7, the team completed a major part of that work when they opened the last of three new dedicated Whole Health clinics at the Center Mall in Omaha. The clinic – which consists of 10,000-square-feet of space that now houses the program’s offices, classrooms, treatment rooms and a large room for movement therapy – follows similar clinics in Grand Island and Lincoln.

According to Dr. Tabitha Carlson, VA NWIHCS Whole Health clinical director, having all of the program’s services and staff housed in one clinic is a major milestone for Whole Health, which is now entering its third year as a pilot program for the VA Midwestern region.

“It’s huge,” Carlson said recently. “We started out with essentially nothing. We had our staff and services spread out at multiple locations and borrowed space in any nook and cranny, wherever and whenever we could get it.”

“It tremendous to finally have everyone together in one space,” Carlson added. “It’s clearly more efficient to have the team all together and it has been extremely positive for the morale of the staff because they know they now have space of their own. And perhaps most exciting is, the Veterans have been extremely positive about the new space. We love to hear their feedback as this space is really for them.”

Whole Health is a relatively new approach to health care, with the ultimate goal of empowering and equipping Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being. VA

Whole Health staffs are attempting to accomplish this by helping Veterans develop personal health plans, learning and practicing the skills needed to accomplish the goals set out in these health plans, and then working with Veterans and their families to treat those conditions – such as chronic pain – that might otherwise stand in the way of achieving one’s personal goals.

Currently, Carlson said, the VA NWIHCS Whole Health services includes chiropractic, acupuncture, tai-chi, yoga, qigong, meditation, bio-feedback and dozens of classes on a wide array of subjects ranging from tobacco cessation to individual nutrition, stress management and mindfulness.

Even though the VA NWIHCS program is now entering its third year, in many ways the program is

really just getting started, Carlson said.

“Although we have been here for the last two years, we’re just now leaving the launch pad,” Carlson said, adding that much of the first two years was spent developing the program, hiring new staff members, obtaining much-needed equipment and resources, and developing dedicated clinic spaces. “Now we have all of those. Now is our go time,” she added.

Even though the program is still very much in its infancy, the benefits of the program are already starting to be seen in such areas as Veteran satisfaction, the reduction of opiode use to control pain, and in the numerous testimonials the team is collecting from participating Veterans.

Carlson said with a “Whole Health Dream Team” that have literally moved from across the United States and even internationally to take jobs within the NWI Whole Health program, they are excited to begin showing even more Veterans the benefits of Whole Health.

“Now we are at the point where we can officially launch our programs far and wide, partnering with Veterans as they experience teh benefits of our services. It’s amazing to watch individuals move forward in their journey to health and well-being.”

Photos by Jeff Gates

Motivation: Two members of Fastsigns Omaha install the first of five graphics on the wall of the new Whole Health Clinic in Omaha on Oct. 10

New Digs: Members of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System staff check out the new movement therapy space.

VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Despite rainy ... · accompanied with some short-term parking constrictions and short-term growing pains for Employees, Veterans and families.

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