North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

Hospital Compare, a consumer-based website that provides information on how well hospitals provide recommended care to their patients, recently published results that highlight the quality of care Veterans receive at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS). The results shared on the site also compare the health system to both local and national ratings.  

“We pride ourselves in delivering quality care to our patients. Our personalized, proactive approach to care is a major focus and the data shared on Hospital Compare demonstrates as such,” said NF/SGVHS Chief of Staff, Dr. Ilona Schmalfuss. 

Receiving a 4 out of 5 patient survey star rating on the site, illustrates how patient’s rate their experiences at NF/SGVHS and is an aspect of hospital quality that helps other Veterans choose where they receive their health care. 

Scott Phillips, a 61-year-old Veteran patient from Monticello, Fla., recently spent three weeks at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville.

“I had to have multiple surgeries for injuries I received in a motocross accident. I was very anxious during my stay and often wondered if I was ever going to get any better, but the care I received was top notch and I’d recommend VA health care over any other, bar none,” said Phillips. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and that is due to all of the wonderful care and treatment that I received at NF/SGVHS,” he said.

The site not only compares how a hospital might do when it is compared to its local counterparts but provides national averages to help address areas of interest for patients such as timeliness, effective care, value, and the overall patient experience.

According to Hospital Compare, the NF/SGVHS did the same as or better than the national average when it came to patients reporting that their doctors and nurses always communicated well, staff always explained medications before administering them, the surrounding area around the patient’s room was always quiet at night, and patients were given information about what to do after being discharged. 

Additionally, patients reported that they understood their care when they left the hospital and would strongly recommend NF/SGVHS compared to any other community options available to them.

Andrew Story, 57-year-old Veteran from Lecanto, Fla. has been receiving his care at NF/SGVHS for the past 11 years. He chooses VA care over community care because of the special relationships and value that he has been provided with from his health care team.

“I’ve had Throat Cancer and have had several procedures and treatments stemming from the disease so I’m very familiar with NF/SGVHS. I am overwhelmingly happy with the care I receive and couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.

To learn more about the NF/SGVHS, subscribe to receive updates via email, or connect with us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/VANFSG and on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/vanfsg.

NF/SGVHS is one of the nation’s leading VA healthcare systems, employing more than 5,800 medical professionals and support staff dedicated to providing high quality care to Veterans residing throughout north Florida and south Georgia. The organization operates 14 facilities to include two medical centers located in Gainesville and Lake City, a domiciliary and clinics located throughout a 50-county catchment area.