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VA Medical Center Honored as Top National Performer

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Oct 12, 2012 at 6:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2012 at 8:36 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The Joint Commission honored 19 Veterans Affairs medical facilities from across the nation as top performers. The Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center was one of them; it was recognized for its surgical center.

Although he's new at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center, it didn't take long for chief of surgery James Watkins to see why the hospital deserves top honors.

"This is really a thankless job, making sure all these process things work, and everybody has to do their job right every time for it to work. So the fact that we are able to do this quality work out here on the Western Slope at a small hospital is truly remarkable," said Watkins.

After thorough inspection, the Joint Commission honored the hospital for the high quality service it provides.

Watkins said, "I think everyone here is pretty patriotic and supports the vets. What they should know is the vets are getting better, faster and cheaper care here and that they're in good hands."

Doctors are also utilizing a brand new surgical center and are ready to excel even more.

"We've got four brand new ORs, a couple endoscopy suites, a brand new ICU and it's just as nice as we had in Boston. The OR is nice and it's a fun place to operate, but this is teamwork and everybody doing their part every day," said Watkins.

Watkins and his colleagues say they're thrilled to be on the top performer's list, but they're just doing their jobs.

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anonymous said on Friday, Oct 12 at 10:58 PM

The vets who depend upon the GJ VAMC could have told everyone what a great place this is and about the great staff. I am thankful to have this facility nearby. To all the dedicated professionals there, You have earned your recognition.

Steve Hight said on Saturday, Oct 13 at 6:25 AM

The GJ VAMC is a terrific hospital run by terrific people. I've been the beneficiary of their care for nearly fifteen years now, and I couldn't be happier with the quality of their medical treatment, their level of personal concern, or their commitment to veterans.

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