HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC)-- Those long wait times at the V.A. could be coming down.
The Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center is in the midst of numerous upgrades, renovations and expansions that leaders say should improve the overall patient experience.
That's a good thing, because the case-load at Hampton is increasing three times faster than the national average.
Construction is taking place practically everywhere you look at the Hampton V.A. Medical Center. There's at least 11 different projects on-going right now with the whole idea of course to improve patient service and patient care.
With everything from a new mental health building, to new operating rooms, expanded emergency rooms, a renovated dental clinic, and 300 new parking spaces being built.
"I think it will be huge because the space combination will be better suited for the mental health staff to work in teams," said psychiatrist Dr. Priicilla Hankins.
The improvements come a year after the Hampton V.A. was listed as having among the worst wait times in the country for primary care. They've come down now from 31 days to ten days.
Director Michael Dunfee says area vets can be assured the Hampton V.A. is working hard to improve.
"Absolutely, I've never been at a V.A. medical center that is aggressive in terms of expanding clinical staffing, clinical programs, infrastructure and really is in overdrive mode in terms of the action we're taking to make sure we can keep up with the access needs of our veterans," said Dunfee.
Veterans are excited about the changes.
"I think it''s awesome that the V.A. is actually putting up new buildings," said patient and Navy vet Michael Miller. "It'll facilitate more vets that need the home care, or the care that we need to facilitate everybody and I think it's awesome."