VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System
New VA Hospital Welcomes First Patient
Photo of Mr. Mario Ayala, first patient at the new VA hospital.
The new VA hospital treated its first patient, Mr. Mario Ayala. Mr. Ayala is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the Navy from 1969 to 1972.
Mario woke up early Tuesday morning to catch the first Downtown and Veterans Medical Center Express (DVX) bus services. He got to the bus stop two hours early and rode the 5:59am bus from downtown to the new hospital; he arrived at 6:25am. When asked about the bus service, Mario said, “The bus service was outstanding!”
Although Mario didn’t use the VA health care services until 2005. Of the service he received from his physician, Dr. Kitty Crooks, he said, “I have gotten a lot better, ever since I have got with the VA. She treated me with dignity”. Mario said that the doctor knew what to say and what medications to give. “Dr. Crooks saved my life!”
Speaking with Mario it was noted that he was a very pleasant, spiritual gentleman who had been through many struggles in his life but still managed to keep smiling. After walking around the hospital, it was clear that we accomplished what we set out to do. Mario said, “The hospital is awesome!”
On August 14, 2012, the new VA Medical Center opened its first phase of clinics, which included the Eye Clinic, Rehab Medicine, Oncology, Infusion Clinic, Infectious Disease Clinic, Pulmonary, Prosthetics, Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Mental Health Clinics. On our first day, the new hospital saw a total of 513 patients.
Welcome to the new VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System.
