Officials: WB VA Medical Center 'takes good first step'

Aug. 30—WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity Wednesday said that some policies at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center have improved since they met with officials at the VAMC last week.

Specifically, the VAMC announced this week that it has updated its masking policy, making wearing a mask optional for veterans, staff, visitors and volunteers. The policy is subject to change in the event of a future COVID outbreak.

Cartwright, D-Moosic, Meuser, R-Dallas, and Garrity said this change, which is in line with policies at similar facilities across Pennsylvania, is a significant step forward.

"While we're encouraged by the progress the Wilkes-Barre VA has made in response to our requests, we remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure VA protocols continue to move in the right direction," Cartwright said. "The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center needs quality volunteers and more nursing and technical staff. The right policies to attract and retain caregivers is crucial, and this issue needs careful work going forward."

Meuser added, "I'm pleased that our recent meeting with Director Lloyd is already yielding positive results. While this is a step in the right direction, more still must be done to ensure an overall positive patient experience for our local veterans."

Garrity said: "Updating the masking policy is a key step because it will open the door for other important changes, such as increasing the number of activities offered to Veterans and encouraging more volunteers to help at the Medical Center. This is good progress, but it's not a complete solution in and of itself. We will be vigilant to ensure that positive changes continue to be made."

Last week, Cartwright, Meuser and Garrity met with Medical Center Director Russell E. Lloyd and other officials. They discussed a variety of concerns raised by constituents and urged the VAMC officials to:

—Increase the number of activities offered to veterans to pre-pandemic levels.

—Create guidelines and policies that encourage volunteers and retain staff.

—Update masking and vaccination standards to maximize access for volunteers.

—Create an outbreak plan that is consistent and maximizes morale for both veterans and staff.

—Resume Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) activities consistent with pre-pandemic plans.

—Increase nurse staffing levels.

—Enhance the phone systems.

—Improve focus on quality-of-life concerns.

In addition to the updated masking policy, the VAMC has started to schedule additional SARRTP activities.

Cartwright, Meuser and Garrity said they will continue to closely monitor the situation at the Wilkes-Barre VAMC. They encouraged patients, family, friends and volunteers to reach out to their offices with any concerns.

VAMC appoints associate director for patient care services

In a separate development, the center has announced the appointment of Kathleen Pisano, MSN, RN, CNL to the position of associate director for patient care services/nurse executive.

Pisano began her career with the VA in 2005 as a VA Learning Opportunity Residency (VALOR) nurse extern and accepted a permanent position with the organization following her graduation from the University of Scranton.

During her tenure, Pisano held various staff nurse positions before beginning her leadership journey in 2014 as the nurse manager and program director of home-based primary care.

In 2019, Pisano was appointed chief of community care service where she was responsible for the execution of the VA Maintaining Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act implementation and Referral Coordination Initiative.

Pisano holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and nursing, and a Master's Degree in nursing from Sacred Heart University. She achieved certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader in 2014, and also completed a nursing management certificate program in 2017.

"I'm excited to welcome Ms. Pisano to Wilkes-Barre's leadership team," Lloyd said. "I've worked with Katie for several years and believe that her management experience and dedication to our Veterans will continue to generate positive impacts within the organization."

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.