New services planned at Lafayette VA Clinic

Posted: May 7, 2012 6:03 PM by Elizabeth Hill
Updated: May 7, 2012 6:13 PM

We don't know whether new services like audiology, podiatry and dental started today as planned at the Lafayette VA Clinic. After a dozen phone calls, we couldn't get answers.

If and when these services do become available, they still aren't as in-depth as Veterans Action Coalition Co-Chairman Dr. Jon Palmintier want.

"Oncology, pulmonary, endocrinology. All that is involved as well."

These new and expanded services are certainly a step in the right direction for the Lafayette VA Clinic, but the ultimate goal is still a new clinic to better serve Acadiana veterans.

"With the ability to take care of more veterans and get the speciality care for that clinic."

Palmintier says there is no reason why Acadiana veterans should have to travel to Alexandria for basic services.

"We ought to be able to get the funds to do that so that we do not have to have these veterans basically spending their whole day going over there."

Lafayette boasts many doctors and specialists willing to help serve veterans through the clinic, but Palmintier says bureacratic red tape often gets in the way.