Four new VA hospitals planned

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to open four new community-based outpatient clinics in southeast Texas to provide primary care, phlebotomy, social work, nutrition, and mental health services for veterans.

Before winter 2009, VA clinics staffed by VA personnel will open in Katy, Lake Jackson, Richmond/Rosenberg, and Tomball.

"Our goal is to improve access to health care and these new clinics will greatly expand the VA's capacity for outpatient care in southeast Texas," said Edgar L. Tucker, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) director. "These new clinics will enable veterans outside of Houston to obtain primary and mental health care closer to where they live."

In the coming months, the MEDVAMC will firm up the exact locations, staffing, services to be offered, and a timetable.