Valuables
For safekeeping, you are advised to keep all valuables at home. The Medical Center is not responsible for money or other valuables that you keep in your room. We ask that you keep no more than $10.00 cash on hand. Any additional money should be deposited with the Agent Cashier. Coupon booklets and phone cards may be purchased through the Retail Store.
Agent Cashier
The Agent Cashier will help veterans with personal funds, travel vouchers, and co-payments. In Buffalo, the Agent Cashier's office is located on the first floor, E-Wing, Room 146E. It is open 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with the exception of the last business day of the month, at which time the agent cashier will close at 2:00 p.m.
In Batavia, the Agent Cashier is located in building #1 on the ground floor. It is open from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Families are encouraged to obtain coupon books at the Retail Store for patient use.
Prohibited Items
Patients may not have alcoholic beverages, narcotics, firearms, ammunition, knives, other weapons, lighter fluid, non-safety matches, straightedge razors or any medications from home. Firearms, TVs, and radios are not permitted in the Medical Center. If a patient has any of these items, please ask someone to take it home for you or turn these items over to the VA Police.
In the Batavia facility, all areas are safe to use cellular phones and other wireless devices. In Buffalo, cellular phones and other wireless devices may be used in any area except: Emergency Department (Wing 1D), PET Suite (1st Floor Core), Radiology Department (Wing 2A), Operating Rooms (Wing 2C), ICU and PACU (Wing 2D), Cardiac Cath Lab (Wing 4A), Nuclear Medicine Department (Wing 4C), ASU (Wing 5A), Step Down Unit (Wing 7C), GI Department (Wing 8A) and Telemetry Inpatient Ward (Wing 9C), where signage will be posted.
Smoking Policy
The hospital is a smoke-free facility. Staff, visitors, volunteers and patients may not smoke anywhere indoors or within 25 feet of the Medical Center. The VA Police can issue fines for disobeying the smoking policy. In Buffalo, smoking is permitted in the Annex, this area is on the first floor, C-Wing.
In Batavia, smoking is permitted on the ground floor; smoking room; building #4 patio; and outside building #1 in the "smoke house." Please be considerate of non-smokers.
Hospitalized Patients:
The detrimental effects of tobacco use on the health of hospitalized patients have been well documented. To assist our patients in a rapid recovery, leaving the inpatient unit to smoke is no longer permitted at this facility. Your doctor can order nicotine replacement for you while you are in the hospital. All tobacco users will be advised to quit and offered assistance with pharmacotherapy and counseling.
Fire/Disaster Drill
The Medical Center has a fire and disaster plan for the protection of both patients and staff. If you discover a fire, tell a staff member right away. If you are on a ward that needs to be evacuated, follow the instructions from the staff. Exit signs show the locations of emergency exits. Fire alarms are near each exit.
Restraints
The Medical Center strives for a restraint-free environment. Occasionally, restraints are necessary. The least restrictive method will be used to ensure that the patient’s needs, dignity and rights are maintained. If you have further questions, contact your health care team.
Zero Tolerance for Violence
In order to maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, we need your help. The Network Medical Centers have a “zero tolerance” for violence. Behavior that is disruptive, threatening or violent will not be tolerated and should be reported to staff or VA Police immediately. Once identified, corrective action will be implemented (as necessary) to insure the safety of all parties.
Security Cameras
For your safety, and the safety of visitors and employees, VA Western New York Healthcare System parking lots and grounds in Buffalo are monitored by the VA Police. In addition, there are 24 hour surveillance security cameras in the parking lots at Buffalo.
In Batavia, security cameras are located in special areas such as the canteen and outdoor entryways. Entrances are closed after administrative operating hours.
Cameras, Video Equipment, Tape Recorders and Cellular Phones
For reasons of patient privacy, cameras, video equipment, tape recorders, and cellular phones are generally not allowed in the Medical Center. If your family or friends wish to bring in a camera, video camera or tape recorder, they must make arrangements with the Nurse Manager. Cellular phone usage is limited to non-patient areas. Please adhere to the signage posted.
VA Police
VA Police are on duty 24 hours a day for your care and protection. Contact the VA Police if the need arises, or if a family member or friend needs to be escorted to their car. In Buffalo the Police are located on the first floor, C-Wing, Room 114C.
In Batavia, the office is in building #1, first floor, Room 101.
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