Hospital Liaison

It has been a tough year. The job of Hospital Liaison is an honor and a privilege but it takes a toll on your body and mind. I've learned a lot about hospital procedures. Being in a wheelchair for almost half a century, I thought I knew all the ins and outs but, I was wrong. Being the Hospital Liaison teaches you much more than being a patient ever could. It's sort of the difference between being on the outside and looking in and being on the inside inspecting all the nuts and bolts. This is an eye opening experience, indeed.

One of the nicest inanimate perks we've gotten over the past year is our very own Triage phone number. This is so much better for our guys and gals because it goes straight to our SCI nurse, and our issues are taking care of without any delays. After hours we still must call the regular Triage number.

Of course, I wouldn't think my HLO report to our members would not be complete without mentioning our stalwart Service Officers. Belton Smith in Lake City and David Ray in Orlando round out the equation perfectly. They strive every day to aid veterans in any way possible and they do it with a smile and a cheerful attitude.

I've put a lot of miles on my van, but it's been a pleasure to go to Gainesville, Lake City, Daytona and Viera to see the fine work other SCI doctors and nurses are doing for our people. I want to be secure in the knowledge that all over the Central Florida PVA territory any SCI vet is receiving the best possible treatment. The only way to do that is travel and I do. During these jaunts, I’ve met some fine medical professionals, dedicated to the care of our SCI veterans. It has been a heartening experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I look forward to doing the same in 2012 and hope our Veterans Administration facilities continue to do the competent, dedicated work they've shown me this past year.

Ken Carter

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