ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A groundbreaking is scheduled next month for a new expanded VA clinic along Eiland Boulevard in Zephyrhills.
- New facility will consolidate clinic, mental health services
- Podiatry, physical therapy services will be available
- VA Clinic in New Port Richey will also be expanded
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The planned 14,000 square foot facility will replace the current 4,500 square foot clinic and will consolidate clinic and mental health services under one roof.
“Our whole mission at James A. Haley is to modernize all of our clinics – not only here, but across all of the clinics that we serve,” said James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Public Affairs Specialist Shayna Rodriguez.
Three primary care exam rooms are being added in the new facility, bringing the total number from seven to ten. Mental health services will also get an extra room, bringing their total to six.
Podiatry and physical therapy are two services that will be available that aren’t offered at the current clinic. These changes, along with adding a fourth provider, are expected to help the clinic expand its reach from its current 3,300 patients to an additional 1,200.
“We want to bring more services and more accessibility to veterans. We want to make it easier for them to get to their appointments,” said Rodriguez.
Navy veteran Michael Rickey said he received two hip replacements at James A. Haley and goes to the Zephyrhills clinic, as well.
“I think it’s a great boost to East Pasco,” said Rickey. “I’ve used the clinic here for quite a few years. I’ve had a good doctor. I’ve had a good experience.”
Rodriguez said the VA’s New Port Richey clinic will also undergo an expansion. A groundbreaking on that site is planned for June 6 and for the Zephyrhills location June 7.