Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2007

CONTACTS
John Hilgert, Division of Veterans’ Homes, (402) 471-8553
Jeanne Atkinson, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-8287

Lincoln – The new Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Bellevue passed this week’s survey by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs with flying colors, according to Chris Peterson, CEO for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

"Surveyors told us that the Home is on the right road and that we should keep it up," Peterson said. "I’d like to thank all staff for their hard work, and applaud them for this success so soon after moving to the new Home last month."

The VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System’s State Veterans Home Inspection Team completed the recognition survey of the new Eastern Nebraska State Veterans Home on August 22, 2007. The team found that all VA standards were met for the Nursing Home and Domiciliary. Findings of the team will now be forwarded to Washington, D.C. for review and final recognition by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"The attitude and hard work of staff is what made the difference in this successful survey," said John Hilgert, director for the DHHS Division of Veterans’ Homes. "Their teamwork was awesome and their energy was contagious."

The Inspection Team surveyors arrived at the Home on August 20. At today’s exit interview, team members expressed a sense of excitement about coming back next year to see the progress, he said.

This week’s survey follows the original survey done last September at the former Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans’ Home in Omaha. Surveyors returned several times to check on progress being made on the plan of correction. After moving to the new location, ENVH was required to be certified as a new facility.

Surveyors recognized the changed attitudes of staff, and their entire focus on implementing the plan of correction, according to Hilgert.

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