Having heard horror stories about the mistreatment and neglect of veterans at the hands of the V.A., I was at once angered and saddened, and also inclined to add my thoughts to the mix. I am a 46 year old Army infantry veteran, and as such, feel strongly that our countrys veterans must be treated in a manner commensurate with the level of sacrifice made by such brave men and women. It is unthinkable that the very government that would ask, and in many cases compel, its citizens to give so much, would leave them to suffer the often permanent consequences with inadequate or neglectful care.That having been said, in the more than ten years that I have sought care at the Sarasota C.B.O.C., I have always been treated with respect. All of the staff has been outstanding in every way. All of my care has been provided in a timely manner. I have been treated with respect every step of the way by everyone from the nurses to the doctors to whomever answers the phone and does the scheduling. I have been seen for emergencies, routine checkups, multiple surgeries, lab work and physical therapy. They have all been patient and thorough and not once have I felt rushed or neglected. For me, the Bay Pines healthcare system, especially the Sarasota Clinic has been invaluable.In closing, while we must hold those accountable for the wrongs we cannot right, so must we celebrate those that have done and continue to do so much good for so many. Thanks for reading.CPL. Mike ReffugeU.S. Army, Infantry, (SEP.)

Ive been a disabled vet for over 30 yrs and, without a doubt, the Sarasota VA Clinic has been the most comprehensive & compassionate care Ive gotten - theyre incredible. Physical, mental health - just an outstanding VA clinic.

I was there a couple of weeks ago. I had an appointment at eight in the morning and I arrived fifteen minutes early as I was told to do. I checked in at the kiosk. I literally sat there for three hours and everyone kept going in ahead of me. When I asked the girls at the front desk, they just said that the doctor was running late. I grabbed a nurse and it was not my doctors nurse but he said he would help me and he was very helpful. It seems that I was never triaged. He triaged me even though he was not the nurse of my doctor. Once I got to see the doctor, I really was very happy with her. She was professional and apologized for the mishap. I am not going to bring it up again because perhaps this was just a mistake. If it happens again though, I will probably not use this clinic again.

Could not any happier with the care Ive received over the last couple of years. With everything thats happened over the last year the staff has done their very best to keep things as normal as possible. Great Job !!!

I have been to the Clinic many times over the past 10 years. I could not ask for better competant, respectful and professional treatment. Special thanks to the Audio department who have done much to help me deal with severe hearing loss,

Open for veterans only M-F, walk-ins unless jammed. Beware that parking is limited. A branch of Bay Pines.

I inquired if I could get my vacation shots for myself and family.I was told that they take veterans only. I told them I’m a retired Captain honorablely discharged. What goes?I was told again that I am 88 years old and am amA retired Infantry officer 88 years agoMy wife is 85 and we are both unable to walk without assistance. And have other medical problems.Please respond!!I will contact congressman Buckhanon if I do not hear from you!

I recently moved From Oregon and was unable to find a private doctor right away. I was living in a travel trailer and wasn’t sure where I was going to end up.I’ve always had private health insurance through my employer, able to go anywhere and use it when needed.In many ways VA health care is the same for veterans. They are able to access an American Government Health Care system (VA) that many non-veterans are not,I consider myself very privileged and grateful to have both. If it were possible I would give one up to a non veteran or any individual unable to pay for health care for themselves and their families. It’s just not fair to the rest of society who just can’t afford it.I want to thank VA and all the doctors, nurses, and employees who help those in need. Your providing great care..Thank you

Not so helpful. Person answering the phone wat polite. It was very important. However I was told to wait till Monday. Seriously?

I have been a patient there for over10 yrs. I am always treated with dignity and respect, They go over and above every day.

Didnt have a good experience here. Unhelpful and obstructionist staff. Ill go to Bay Pines.

Excellent and caring service. Very seldom late in taking me in.Dr Gaffar is professional and precise in her care.

Beware if you’re new to the city of Sarasota and you’re looking for a VA hospital they have a 90 day wait for appointmentUpdate March 9, 2021 I used the walk-in part of the VA and within an hour and a half I was seen by somebody and the staff was very professional

I have been going to this clinic for a few years now and I have seen the number of service people grow and grow. The problem is that the clinic hasn’t been able to keep up with this growth. It’s a shame to sit in the waiting room and see what is going on when it comes to the care of our vets, that need hearing aid repair or tests. The walk in clinic isn’t working. You have too many vets and too few care givers and everything is too crowded. The fix isn’t an easy one you need a bigger place and more help and you needed it yesterday

The staff here are generally great, but DO NOT try to call anyone at the facility that you do not have a direct extension for, you will literally waste HOURS of your day!!!! I have had to actually drive tot the clinic as I could not get to the department or person on several occasions. I find this hard to believe in 2017!!!

Both my husband and I are younger veterans new to the area requesting VA care. We have been here four weeks with multiple interactions in this clinic. This is very limited parking in the mornings, and none on Monday orientation days. The lab tech drew blood from my husband without changing gloves from the previous patient or checking what labs were needed (so my husband had to give more blood samples after meeting with his doctor). Its taken my husband four weeks and calling/getting hung up on/transferred to nurses/pharmacists and admin to get refills for his blood pressure meds and blood thinners. The lab threw away my sample despite a lab order from my doctor requesting samples, delaying my cultures because I had to go back two days later, and now I cannot get my doctors nurse to call me back on what the samples showed and how I am suppose to address my elevated white blood count/blood in my urine. Its some sort of infection, made more alarming by the fact that Im 10 weeks pregnant. I was referred to choice program for maternity care, and trying to get my first appointment (which they have to schedule) is like pulling teeth. Its just been a terrible, terrible experience, and very frustrating for veterans seeking care. It really seems like no one cares about us there. My husband and I transferred from the Minneapolis VA, which was pretty good, so thats our basis of comparison.

Went in to get the 2nd COVID vaccination. A little crowded. Got in for shot at 915 am for a 9 am appt. Thats not too bad.Great nurses and all showed respect for the vets. The followed COVID-19 protocol after each patient.

I am very happy with my care and experience at this VA outpatient office. No issues.

My name is Dave Loeffler. I visited the VA Clinic on May 9th. Charlene Hallwas my PA and she was very pleasant and thorough, showing a high degree of professionalism. I am looking forward to seeing her on my next visit.

. I accompany my father to his visits, Dr. Gaffarr is very professional and extremely thorough her staff is very helpful . I feel my fathers in the best hands and I dont have a worry about his care.

Was treated very rudely on my first visit here. First time I have a problem with the va.

Been going there for 3 years now....and have had excellent care, and attention to details on upcoming appointments, clinics and any other needs.

Horrible experience. Drove 2 hours for an appt. I was 15 mins late due to a horrific crash on I-75, called and told them I would be a few minutes late. After arriving, they refused to see me and said I needed to reschedule. HORRIBLE service to Vets.

Very punctual with appointment s

As soon as you see walgreens, get ready at the next signal to make a u turn. As far as care, theyve always been great to my grandfather.

I stay engaged with my healthcare and use the VA MyHealthEVet website. I have a very good experience at the VA.

3rd, maybe 4th time I have came here and waited 15 to 30 minutes past my scheduled appointment time because no one let the doctors know I just checked in. Attempted to sign in on the kiosk but told signing in on that will make no one aware that you are here. Whats the point of it then? Either way. Even during times I have checked at the actual desk still the same result.

Thank you to the kids receptionist who got my dad in to see the audiologist today ;)

I like going here.