Minneapolis VA Health Care System

I haven’t really been here since the old building and when my grandpa was still here. Didn’t think I would be back, but everything in life comes around again.
Excellent care provided. Staff really wants to be there and it reflects in the way they treat their patients and families. The doctors, nurses, volunteers and other staff are amazing. Everyone that we interacted with was wonderful, helpful, warm and belonged doing the job they were doing.
–Parking= free as it should be.
–Cafeteria. Decent, large dining area, decent food serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Salad bar, deli, entrees, quick grab and go items, soups.
–Easy navigational mapping by letter and #
— Store with a lot of items
— vending area
— fast elevators
— clean areas to wait
This place is wonderful and we are lucky to have this type of healthcare along with a lot of other great care in this state taking care of our veterans and their families!!!

I am a Vietnam Veteran, who has been hospitalized at the Minneapolis VA Hospital for 5 weeks in 1996, and still under there care. It is an exceptional hospital as far as care, but don’t ask them to assist with a VA claim! They won’ do diddly!

I am a 100% disabled Veteran who has been going to this VA clinic and hospital for twenty years.
I have ONLY experienced PROFESSIONAL and dedicated workers at this VAHospital.
Granted, parking may be bad, but one has to remember that this is a REGIONAL VA Hospital, this is to be expected.
As for waiting, expect to wait at the EYE clinic (that is the ONLY clinic that I have had to wait in all my years — other than blood draws) — but again, remember the volume that goes through this clinic and hospital.
I have been hospitalized at this facility, the Doctors and the Nursing staff are above reproach! — Professional all the way!
I was 26 when I first was a patient here — I had the «distinction» of being the «youngest Veteran» in the hospital when it first opened… I am certain with the recent wars, they have seen younger and more injured veterans.
I have nothing but praise for the professionals here!
Thank God for the VA — I do not know how I would survive without it!!!
God Bless the professionals at the VA and God Bless AMERICA!

Parking can be atrocious

The people that work and volunteer here understand that they are taking care of heroes and make sure that the vets they serve are treated well.
Please make sure to note that there is a difference between the VA and Army and Navy hospitals, such as Walter Reed. The VA is the most efficient system in terms of health care delivery in the country. Anyone who recommends dismantling the VA should be required to serve a year in a war before any such action can be taken.
The Minneapolis VA facility is a gem and I am always happy to see how well the patients there are taken care of. True professionals, indeed!

This VA is hands down one of the best I have experienced since first «entering the system» in 2004. (OIF Veteran here. Been to multiple VA’s throughout Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, and Missouri.)
The staff are extremely helpful, courteous, and always ensure my needs are being addressed. Their facilities are equally impressive. (I am also a big fan how the hospital is easily reached via public transportation).
I think one would be hard pressed to find a better VA facility in the Midwest…

Everything is slow and on their time. The workers even joke about it with a shoulder shrug («well, you know the VA»). Most people there speak to the veterans in a condescending way. I have to take my father here quite often and only occasionally have a positive experience. The parking is horrible too. If you arrive after 8 am you can’t find a spot in any of the lots.
Most recently, my father was scheduled for surgery at 7:30 so we were told to arrive by 7 (or so). We got there early, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally at about 11 am someone told us that the doctor was double booked for that day and my father’s surgery would not begin until 11:45. They finally came to get him at noon. All the while he hadn’t eaten since the night before because he was told not to.
We were also told that we would be able to talk to a nurse hourly to check up on the progress during his 4 hour surgery. This did not happen, in fact we had to pursue someone to speak with each time we wanted an update. We were met with rudeness and hostility, sort of a «how dare you bother me while I am talking» sort of greeting. If my father didn’t have to go here, we would not go back. That’s the problem is they have a captive clientele so they see no need in fixing the problems that exist.

I have been interning @ the VA for the past two weeks as an MSA. From what I have seen, the nurses & staff that care for those who have served are exceptionally wonderful. They go above & beyond to be sure all their patient’s needs are met. It is a well-​run establishment staffed by compassionate people. Busy, all the time… especially between the hours of 7am & 1pm. The cafeteria is filled w/​bubbly staff always willing to help you out. The food is pretty good w/​a variety of breakfast, lunch, & dinner options. & the brand new Caribou has two of the best baristas I have ever met. Always singing to the oldies, in a great mood, no matter what time of day (although, they only serve coffee until 3). One thing that really stood out to me was in the cafeteria seating area, the VAMC blocks off an area in the front specifically for volunteers to show their appreciation. No matter how busy the breakfast, lunch, or dinner, volunteers can always find a seat. Everyone is so appreciative & helpful. Altogether, my weeks there were extremely pleasant.

I used to go here back in the day to donate blood with the Red Cross. I loved coming here, because the canteen was always staffed by extremely sweet veterans who would thank you profusely for your donation, all while stuffing your face with treats. They have since changed their blood bank location to an open area on the main floor, as opposed to a wing on the fourth floor. I sincerely doubt I’ll be back due to this reason. :(
My Grandpa was a Korean War vet who spent a few sick days at the VAMC. They always had great staff – Grandpa was well taken care of when he was there.
I was going to give four stars based on the bad experience with the last blood donation, but it’s not the VA’s fault. I bumped it back up to five stars because I remembered that they have a large area for motorcycles to park right up front. Lots of veterans are badass motorcycle riders. Personally, I am a badass scooter rider who enjoys front row parking when popping round to donate blood. :D