As a new resident to the San Luis Valley, Sharon Sandoval had not heard much about the healthcare landscape. As a veteran, her experience in the healthcare system has been mixed.
“Other facilities have a majority of people who are kind and caring,” said Sandoval. “But there is always one or more that act like you are bugging them.”
When Sandoval visited Valley-Wide Health Systems’ Guadalupe Health Clinic in Antonito, CO and saw Michael Henderson, PA-C, a couple of weeks ago, she found the experience to be different.
“When I visited Valley-Wide’s clinic in Antonito, I was amazed that every person seemed to love their job,” Sandoval stated. “I silently wondered how they could find so many people that loved their job.”
Focus on Veterans
True to its mission and values, Valley-Wide puts a special emphasis on providing excellence to allpatients that come through its doors. The organization also makes a special effort to provide that kind of service to veterans.
“Our veterans have done so much, and we owe them an excellent experience, similar to Sharon’s,” said Debi Tringham, Valley-Wide’s Director of Clinical Operations in the San Luis Valley. Tringham regularly attends Veterans Health Forum Meetings as Valley-Wide’s liaison. The group discusses issues related to Veteran’s care, including providing access to care close to home.
“I am a Disabled Veteran, and I appreciate the fact that Valley-Wide serves those who served,” said Sandoval. “I also appreciate the fact that I could receive quality health care blocks away from my home versus having to drive several hours to a VA medical facility.”
Case Management Services
Valley-Wide also supplements this focus with case management services specifically for veterans.
“We have made seeing our veterans in a timely fashion and providing a high-quality experience a top priority,” said Leova Villalobos, Director of Clinical Support Services. “This is a testament to that emphasis paying off.”
“My overall impression of the care I received at Valley-Wide Health Systems is that every single person I encountered made me feel like a very important person,” she stated. “I’m just so impressed with the attitude of compassion and willingness to care for my needs. Everyone is friendly and kind. The atmosphere and the attitude promotes a feeling of wellness and healing. They really cared about me as a person.”
