VA Central California Health Care System

VHA Modernization diagram

Building on the progress we have made, Modernization is about improving the VA’s performance to better serve Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors while being good stewards of tax payer dollars.

Using the President’s Executive Order asking every agency for a “Comprehensive Plan for Reforming the Federal Government and Reducing the Federal Civilian Workforce” as our guide, we our developing a plan that: reduces bureaucracy; focuses resources on the core functions and services that VA is uniquely positioned to deliver and administer; increases accountability; encourages bold and decisive leadership; restructures the organization to streamline services and programs by eliminating redundancies; and empowers employees to do the right thing for Veterans and their families.

Here at the VA Central California Health Care System (VA CCHCS) we have made great strides in regards to Modernization, and we continue to implement new initiatives, plans and processes. For example, our Telehealth Programs have expanded to better reach our Veterans who live in rural and outlying areas. We have upgraded equipment and processes in our Pharmacy to be more effective and efficient, and we are expanding our Community Living Center by building a modern, comfortable addition to the current facility.

Plans are also in motion to upgrade the CT Scanner and MRI in Radiology and add an additional CT Scanner to the Emergency Department. This initiative alone is expected to double our throughput capabilities, allowing for twice as many exams to be performed as well as adding flexibility during scheduled preventative maintenance. In addition, two new gamma cameras were recently installed. With this new Radiology equipment, higher quality images and faster scan speeds will equate to more efficient and effective Radiology services for our Veterans.

To further assist with efficiency, VA CCHCS has installed state-of-the-art tracking systems, one for medical instruments and one for IT equipment. About 160 iPads have also been ordered to help with patient flow, communication and education. The iPads will be used by patients in the waiting room prior to their appointments to capture their overall health and any concerns they may have, and the iPads will be also used following their appointments to help educate patients.   

These are just a few examples of what VA CCHCS is doing to modernize our facilities and processes. We are continuously implementing new initiatives and changing the way we operate to quickly and easily provide our Veterans and their families the quality care and services they deserve.

Our goals are big, but the benefits for our Veterans and their families are even bigger.  We are committed to accomplishing our Modernization goals to ensure big, bold, and immediate changes are made to benefit the Veterans we serve.