Plans for a Veterans Affairs clinic Iola have solidified a smidgen.
In a phone call Tuesday with Teal Munroe, an administrator with the VA’s Community Outbased Clinic program, confirmed the clinic is on track to open spring 2024.
Munroe said negotiations have not progressed to the point that the clinic’s site can be announced.
The Iola clinic entails the closing of VA clinics in Fort Scott, Garnett and Chanute.
The advantage to the approximate 860 area veterans is that the centralized clinic will be able to provide more services and be open five days a week.
“We’ll be able to offer social and behavioral health services, laboratory services as well as primary care,” Munroe said. “Having one location will also be an advantage to staff. It’s been a lot to ask that they travel between the other three clinics. It also led to a replication of services. This will be a more efficient delivery of care.”
On site in Iola will be a physician or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse and a medical administrative assistant, as well as those who provide social and behavioral health services.
Telehealth is also a growing component of VA services, Munroe said.
VA officials announced last February their intent to consolidate regional services in Iola.
