SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Department of Veterans Affairs has released its set of recommendations for the future of veteran care in the U.S., following years of research and analysis.
As expected, the closure of the hospital’s at Fort Meade and Hot Springs is on the department’s list.
“Facing declining enrollment in one of the smallest V.A. markets, the South Dakota West Market strategy intends to replace historic care delivery facilities with modern facilities located and sized to serve Veterans in the communities where they reside,” says the V.A. in its report.
For South Dakota, the Asset and Infrastructure Review report recommends building a new VA health system in Rapid City, while closing the Wagner clinic and the Fort Meade hospital.
The V.A.’s report states that Rapid City is the largest population center West River, and should become the primary location for services to veterans in the area. The current multi-specialty community-based outpatient care facility based in Rapid City does not have the necessary space to expand, which is why a new V.A. Medical Center is being constructed at 6565 Mount Rushmore Road.
But the proposed changes don’t eliminate care for veterans in the Hot Springs and Sturgis communities. The report outlines the development of multi-specialty community-based outpatient centers in both locations to replace the V.A.M.C.’s.
The report released Monday was issued as part of the 2018 Mission Act, which required an assessment of the current and future health care needs of U.S. veterans. The VA predicts that enrollment for veterans across South Dakota will decrease in the next 10 years.
