VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Visitor Information

Locations

VA Connecticut Healthcare System is a member of the VA New England Healthcare System (VISN 1). Our two main campuses are located in Newington and West Haven. The West Haven campus is a full-service hospital while the Newington facility provides outpatient services in the areas of primary care, specialty services and mental health care. Community based clinics which provide primary and mental health care are located in Danbury, New London, Stamford, Waterbury, Windham and Winsted. The Errera Community Care Center is home to our homeless outreach services and is located in West Haven. The VA Regional Office Hartford (Veterans Benefits Administration) is also located at the Newington campus.

Waiting Areas

For your convenience and safety, we have special waiting areas throughout our facility. Please do not gather in the hallways or at the nurse’s stations.

Security

VA Connecticut has a Police Service. Our officers conduct patrols of the Newington and West Haven campus both inside the buildings and in the parking lots. In case of an emergency, dial 203-932-5711 extension 4900 (West Haven) or 860-667-6707(Newington). Report all suspicious or criminal activity, vehicle accidents, and personal property losses to the VA Police as soon as possible while on the facility grounds.

Because the VA Medical Center is federal property, all persons and bags are subject to search. In addition, no weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs are permitted.

Chapel

An interfaith chapel is located at the West Haven campus in Building 2, 3rd floor. At Newington, the chapel is located on the first floor of Building 3. Protestant Worship Services and Catholic Masses are held on a regular basis. Please contact Chaplain Services at 203-932-5711 extension 2414 for additional information or to speak with a Chaplain.

Family Visits

The healthcare system respects the patient's right to make decisions about his or her care, treatment and services, and to involve the patient's family in care, treatment, and services decisions to the extent permitted by the patient or surrogate decision-maker. 

‘Family’ is defined as a group of two or more persons united by blood, or adoptive, marital, domestic partnership, or other legal ties.  The family may also be a person or persons not legally related to the individual (such as significant other, friend or caregiver) whom the individual considers to be family.  A family member may be the surrogate decision-maker, as defined in VHA Handbook 1004.02, if authorized to make care decisions for the individual, should he or she lose decision-making capacity or choose to delegate decision making to another. 

The medical center allows a family member, friend or other individual to be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of stay.  The medical center allows for the presence of a support individual of the patient's choice, unless the individual's presence infringes on others' rights or safety, or is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.  The individual may or may not be the patient's surrogate decision-maker or legally authorized representative. 

The hospital prohibits discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.