Current Operating Status
Situation Update
As of Monday, February 15, 2021 4:41 PM PST
Tuesday, February 16th
Due to power outages, the Salem CBOC will be closed on Tuesday, February 16th.
The West Linn CBOC will be closed to face-to-face care appointments.
All patients will be contacted and rescheduled.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Visitors/guests are not allowed in any site of care.
Visitor restrictions and screening at entrances are in effect at ALL VA Portland facilities.
Help us limit the spread of COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses to our Veterans and your loved ones.
VA-provided masks are required to be worn by all patients, caregivers, escorts and staff while on VA Portland facility property. Home made cloth masks are not allowed in VAPORHCS facilities except for staff ONLY when arriving and when leaving work at end of the day.
VA Portland Health Care System operations are adapting due to the emergence of the COVID-19 virus in our community to maintain a healthy environment for our Veterans, family members, and staff.
The following visitation safeguards are currently in place:
-
Visitors/guests are not allowed in any site of care.
- Outpatients should come to VA appointments alone, if possible.*
- *If necessary for needed support, Veterans coming to the hospital or any clinic for healthcare/procedure can bring one adult family member/caregiver with them who is not sick...
- ... HOWEVER - due to the small size of exam rooms, only the Veteran/patient will be allowed in the exam room - no family members/caregivers.
- Visitors/guests can call to speak to inpatients by calling the operator at 503-220-8262, dial 0, and ask for the inpatient/Veteran by name to be transferred.
No one under the age of 18 is permitted.
- Entrances to the Portland VA Medical Center and Vancouver VA campus facilities will be limited; staff are screening people for symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath before entry.
- Any sick patients must put on a mask immediately upon entering any VAPORHCS facility (ask staff for assistance).
- To assist VAPORHCS in conserving limited resources:
- Elective surguries/procedures are being cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
- Dental procurdures that are not urgent or emergent are being cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
- Veterans to whom this applies are being contacted.
- All Optical Shops are closed for walk-in services; they are located at Portland & Vancouver campuses & Salem & Bend CBOCS.
- For your eyeglass-related questions or to get a message to the Optical team, use MyHealtheVet messaging or call 503-721-7890, option 3.
Additional policies restricting visitors may be put in place on certain specialty units or as conditions warrant.
Veterans - call VA Portland at 503-220-8262, option 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment.
- Please check VAPORHCS “Current Operating Status” web page for updates as changes to visitation restrictions are likely to occur.
- Sin up to receive updates on the VAPORHCS main web page under “CONNECT WITH VA PORTLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM”
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19
VA Portland Health Care System is prepared to care for patients arriving with respiratory illnesses, and plans are in effect to ensure ongoing preparedness to care for any Veterans suspected of having or confirmed with the newly named COVID-19.
VAPORHCS is actively participating with state and local public health authorities and health systems across the metro area to coordinate a regional response. The goal is to contain the spread of the virus.
The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is the same as we prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses: Practice good hand hygiene, observe respiratory etiquette (including by sneezing or coughing into your elbow rather than your hands), and stay home when ill.
With respect to patients and visitors, anyone with respiratory symptoms who thinks they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should first call their health care clinician before going into a clinic, urgent care center or Emergency Department so that provisions can be made to minimize exposure of other patients.
Who to call?
Veterans, please use MyHealtheVet or call VA Portland at 503-220-8262, option 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment. DO NOT CALL VA Portland about scheduling your COVID vaccination (see main web page for COVID vaccination details).
How it is spread
The virus is most likely spread like other respiratory viruses, so the care that you would normally take to avoid catching the flu is a good start for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, covering your cough or sneeze in your elbow and not your hands, and staying home when ill.
If you feel sick
If you have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever, and your symptoms are mild, we recommend that you stay at home. Remember that it is cold and flu season, so there are many possible causes of these symptoms. If your symptoms are more concerning, please call your primary health care provider (e.g., oncologist, cardiologist, etc.) before coming into a clinic, urgent care center or emergency room. Your primary care provider is your best resource for screening.
Stay home when you are sick
- Get your flu shot
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and do hand hygiene.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid unnecessary contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.
Resources
Oregon Health Authority: Emerging Respiratory Disease
CDC: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Stay connect with VAPORHCS to receive up-to date information by signing up on the main VAPORHCS website under “Connect with VA Portland Health Care System” or follow us on Facebook.
If you have any questions about your appointment,
please contact your provider; 503-220-8262, option 2 to make change or cancel an appointment or relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team.
DO NOT CALL VA Portland about scheduling your COVID vaccination (see main web page for COVID vaccination details).
The VAPORHCS Alert Line provides up-to-date information on the operating status of the VAPORHCS' 12 sites of care.
Call 24/7 for a recorded message at (503) 721-1458 or (503) 220-8262 ext. 51458, Outside Portland Area (800) 949-1004 ext. 51458.
If you would like to receive automated updates via email, please sign up with your email address on the main VAPORHCS web page under "CONNECT WITH VA PORTLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM."
Thank you.
Facility Status
VA Portland Health Care System | Limited Services |
---|---|
VAPORHCS facilities are operating with limited services; most appts are via phone/video teleconference; face-to-face appts and procedures are still occurring on a case-by-case basis IAW national/local guidance. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. |
Portland VA Medical Center (PVAMC) | Limited Services |
---|---|
VAPORHCS facilities are operating with limited services; most appts are via phone/video teleconference; face-to-face appts and procedures are still occurring on a case-by-case basis IAW national/local guidance. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Vancouver Campus | Limited Services |
VAPORHCS facilities are operating with limited services; most appts are via phone/video teleconference; face-to-face appts and procedures are still occurring on a case-by-case basis IAW national/local guidance. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. |
Bend | Closed |
---|---|
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the Bend clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Center for Women Veterans Health | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the Center for Women Veterans Health clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the CRRC is closed today. Veterans can call the CRRC at 503-808-1256; messages are checked regularly. Veterans can also call the homeless hotline 877-424-3838 or Veterans crisis line 800-273-8255. | |
Fairview Clinic | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the Fairview clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Hillsboro | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the Hillsboro CBOC is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Lincoln City Clinic | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the Lincoln City clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Loren R. Kaufman VA Clinic (The Dalles) | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, The Dalles clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Newport | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the Newport clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
North Coast | Closed |
Friday, February 12th: Due to weather conditions, the North Coast clinic is closed today. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
Salem | Closed |
Tuesday, February 16th: Due to a power outage, the Salem CBOC is closed. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. | |
West Linn | Limited Services |
Tuesday, February 16th: Due to a power outage, the West Linn CBOC is closed to all face-to-face care appointments. ED at PVAMC is open for service; visitor restrictions are in place. |
Telephone Numbers
- Emergency: 911
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
- 24 Hour Nurse: 503-220-8262, option 0, (VA Call Center)
- Change Your Appointment: 503-220-8262, option 2
- Media Inquiries: 503-402-2975
- National Veterans Helpline: 1-800-507-4571
- Patient Locator: 503-220-8262, Press 0 for assistance
- Pharmacy Refill: 503-273-5201
- Staff Locator: 503-220-8262, Press 0 for assistance
- Telephone Care: 503-220-8262 (VAPORHCS Main Number)
- VA Police: 503-808-1911
- Eligibility / Enrollment Services: 503-273-5069