San Francisco VAMC strives to always provide the highest quality of care to the veterans of our nation who call San Francisco home. We recognize there may be times when a patient or family member has an issue which requires our attention. Because the best time to let us know of any concern or question is at the time it happens — so we can resolve it as quickly as possible — we have established several programs to assist you.

Patient Representatives

San Francisco VAMC has a patient representative who is eager to help you with your concern in a timely manner. The Patient Representative —

• serves as liaisons between patients and the medical center
• acts on the patient's behalf
• helps patients understand their rights and responsibilities

Our patient representative is located in Building 200, Room GA154 and can be reached at: (415) 750-6650.

Social Workers

Social Workers are available in both the inpatient and outpatient settings to help you and your family with problems caused by your illness or hospitalization or with problems that may delay your recovery. Social Workers provide information and assistance with discharge planning, rehabilitation, hospice care, and community services you may need as an outpatient.

Social Workers provide counseling about financial benefits and vocational rehabilitation. In addition, they provide therapy/counseling for psychiatric issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance abuse, marital and family problems, and adjustment to illness and disability.

You can contact a Social Worker by asking your inpatient or clinic doctor or nurse to make a referral, by calling (415) 750-2044, or by stopping by the Social Work Service office in Building 2, Room 161.

Chaplain Service

There is Chaplain coverage at the medical center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be contacted at: (415) 221-4810 x3689

The Chapel and the Chaplain's offices are located in Building 7 on the second floor. There is easy access by elevator and stairs from the lower floors to the Chapel area.

The Protestant Services are held each Sunday morning in the Chapel at 10:30 a.m.

The Catholic Services are held each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel. There are also Catholic Masses each day of the work week at 11:30 a.m.

Jewish Services are held individually and upon request from the patient to the Jewish Chaplain.

After your visit, you may receive a confidential questionnaire in the mail asking you about your most recent outpatient or inpatient treatment at our medical center.