United States Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Polytrauma System of Care

Welcome to the Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center

Tampa VA Medical Center

James A. Haley (Tampa) Veterans' Hospital
13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 972-2000
Toll Free: (888) 716-7787

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital is a proud member of VA Sunshine Healthcare Network - Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8.

For information about the Tampa VA Polytrauma System of Care, contact:
Angela J. Whitener, Polytrauma Administrative Officer
(813) 979-3671

Tampa VA Polytrauma Director:
Steven G. Scott D.O., Chief, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service
(813) 972-7506

Admissions and Referrals for Polytrauma/ TBI:
Hospital Transfer Coordinator
(813) 972-2000 Ext. 7614

Polytrauma Admissions Case Manager:
Debbie Shepherd, RN, BS, CCM
(813) 972-2000 Ext. 6149

Toll-Free Numbers:

Active Duty Servicemembers seeking admission to Tampa for Polytrauma or TBI should call: (866) 643-3889.

Veterans or family members seeking information about traumatic brain injury should call: (877) 824-8387.

To Enroll for VA Care at the Tampa VA, call: (813) 972-2000 Ext. 1710

What is Polytrauma?

The Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center is one of 5 facilities in the country designed to provide intensive rehabilitative care to Veterans and Servicemembers who experienced severe injuries (including brain injuries) to more than one organ system. For more information about Polytrauma, visit the national Polytrauma System of Care page.

Polytrauma is defined as two or more injuries sustained in the same incident that affect multiple body parts or organ systems and result in physical, cognitive, psychological, or psychosocial impairments and functional disabilities. TBI frequently occurs as part of the polytrauma spectrum in combination with other disabling conditions, such as amputations, burns, pain, fractures, auditory and visual impairments, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. When present, injury to the brain is often the impairment that dictates the course of rehabilitation due to the nature of the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits related to TBI.

Learn more about the Tampa Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Center

 

 

 

Learn more about the Tampa Assistive Technology Program

Mental Health/Veterans Crisis Line

Many Veterans with Polytrauma injuries also need mental health support. If you or someone you know is having trouble readjusting to civilian life, is having trouble sleeping, or is experiencing mood swings, depression, or other signs of extreme stress, we can offer free or low-cost assistance and care.

Veterans Crisis Line.

Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255)

For immediate help, call the National Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Your call is confidential and can also be anonymous. Or, you may have a confidential online conversation with a professional on the National Veterans Crisis Line Web Chat site 

Readjustment Counseling System (Vet Centers)

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

VA Mental Health Program

 

 

 

 

Admission Information

If you are interested in more information about the Tampa Polytrauma Center, contact the Administrative Program Management Officer, Angela Whitener, at 813-979-3671.

Veterans and returning Servicemembers from Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) should contact their local OEF/OIF Coordinator for information about benefits and health care enrollment. Locate points of contact for Veterans and returning Servicemembers throughout the Florida region.

Information for Family Members

Our patients and their families are a vital part of the rehabilitation treatment team. They are involved with goal setting and meeting with team members to develop a plan of care and set goals for guiding our patients in reaching their maximum level of independence.

Review the Family Care Map for the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center (PRC) for more information on steps.

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