The sounds of renovation carry a hopeful tune at Bedford VA, where work will soon begin on a $15 million renovation, ushering in a new era of care for women Veterans.
Women are the fastest growing demographic at Bedford VA, and now comprise nearly 1500 patients served. With increasing demand, hospital leaders recognized infrastructure needed upgrading to meet sensitive needs.
“We are grateful to have won the contract to renovate this space for Bedford VA’s women Veterans clinic,” said Mark Voner, CEO of Veterans Development Corporation and a Veteran. For Voner, giving back touches close to home as he relies on VA for his own care.
“We’ll offer more services than ever in a safe, welcoming space,” said Women Veterans Program Manager Cheryl Coviello. “Our staff and women Veterans are excited for this win-win. It’s been a long time coming.”
Renovation will add much needed space for female Veterans
The redesign adds privacy, more exam rooms, upgraded clinical equipment, and dedicated space to host group counseling supporting mental health. “This whole building renovation will add much needed space for our female Veterans,” said Charmaine Brooks, lead engineer. “I am thankful to be leading this important project.”
For Army Veteran Leanna Lynch, news of the expansion brought relief. As a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Women Veterans Advisory Council, she hears concerns from fellow women Veterans needing access to quality care. “Women Veterans have a set of unique needs. Safety and privacy are very important to us,” Lynch said. “Over the moon about the clinic expansion for so many reasons. Most exciting is the expanded services and space that is safe and private.”
The project, expected to finish in spring 2025 after a year and a half of intense renovation, promises to transform access at the growing campus. It helps Bedford VA deliver the full spectrum of primary, specialty and gender-specific care women Veterans earned through their military service and sacrifice.
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