The TPI-SA Hospital Veteran Visitor Program

Each week, this dedicated volunteer group spends valuable time with Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) related hospital patients as part of the TPI-SA Hospital Veteran Visiting Program.

Visitors work closely with hospital staff to identify veterans in need of company, conversation, support, and assistance. In many cases the veteran visitor program deals with clients who have suffered from their personal service experience or that of their partners (War Widows). The team member listens and works on their behalf with the hospital, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and often, their families to resolve any issues that may be worrying them.

The Veteran Visitor Program brings empathy and confidentiality. Importantly, the clients they meet get answers to their questions, which they value. Developing issues are entry into Aged Care & End of Life matters.

Being veterans themselves, the people they visit in the hospital greet them as a friend and they greatly appreciate the fact that they are there to help. Cliché but true ….veterans like dealing with veterans.

It is not just about talk. It is about genuine ongoing follow-up & support with a personal health advocate.

How do I arrange a visit?

The hospitals we visit value the dedicated input of the Veteran Visitor Program as we work together for the
well-being of our clients.

If you consent to a visit from TPI-SA, please speak with hospital staff who will happily coordinate a visit, or fill out our Welfare Support request form.

What about providing feedback to your care provider?

When providing feedback about your hospital stay, it is important to remember that feedback encompasses complaints, compliments, and suggestions. Many people associate feedback solely with complaints and may hesitate to provide feedback for fear of poor treatment. However, compliments about individuals, facilities, and processes that positively impacted your hospital stay are equally important. By sharing compliments, you enable the hospital to recognize and appreciate staff members for their exceptional performance, motivating others to do a good job and benefiting future patients. Additionally, suggestions can arise from both complaints and compliments, and sharing your ideas for improvement can have a significant positive impact on others.

It is crucial to report bad experiences or expose problems to the hospital administration. Without feedback, issues may persist, potentially affecting clinical outcomes and patient care. Valid complaints about meals, for example, can highlight problems in kitchen or delivery processes. Similarly, reporting issues such as unpleasant odors or faulty equipment can help identify health or safety concerns. Genuine feedback assists in identifying and addressing problems to ensure they are resolved promptly.

While reporting positive experiences is relatively straightforward, making suggestions can be more challenging as we may hesitate to complicate others’ lives. However, if you have an idea for improvement, it is worth sharing it. Your suggestion may not directly benefit you, but it could have a substantial positive impact on other patients.

To actively participate in the feedback process, it is encouraged to provide feedback even if you wish to remain anonymous. However, keep in mind that your feedback will have a greater impact if you identify yourself and engage in discussions with the hospital staff.

Remember, your feedback is valuable in helping hospitals identify areas of improvement, acknowledge exceptional performance, and enhance the overall experience for patients. By providing feedback, you contribute to creating a better healthcare system for everyone involved.