Ive been using the, Portland VA Hospital for 25 years, and I love going. Everyone knows their place and are happy to help if you get lost. I love their staff, nurses, and doctors.

My father had two surgeries here in as many years, and I can't say a negative thing about the staff here. This latest round was just as amazing, from the doctors to the technicians to the nurses to the support staff, you've never met nicer people. And they respected and took care of my father!

I live 2000 miles from the Portland Va. Woman called about a research study. I said no. She sent me a contract stating I'm refusing the study. I never signed a contract or agreed to a research study. Portland is called, "The portal to Hell." I see why. I contacted an attorney and notified watchdog groups.

My overall experience here has been okay—not great, but certainly not the worst VA facility I’ve visited across the country. I want to be clear that I have the utmost respect for the staff. Many of them are underpaid, underappreciated, and often overworked, especially the young nurses and physicians in residency who truly give their all. Where this VA struggles is in its systems and leadership. The rollout of processes meant to improve patient care and outcomes often feels disorganized and ineffective. It’s not due to a lack of effort from the staff, but rather a lack of strong guidance and consistent direction from leadership. As a new patient in the Portland area, my primary care physician—who was still in residency—took the time to get to know me, understand my history, and listen carefully. She did an excellent job. However, her attending physician then repeated the entire set of questions as if none of her work counted, adding an unnecessary hour to the visit. Afterward, additional providers were pulled in simply because I have PTSD, which made the appointment feel overwhelming rather than supportive. Again, I deeply respect the people who work here. I just wish the VA as a whole would adopt more consistent, well-structured programs—perhaps by modeling after clinics that have been recognized as outstanding by both staff and patients. Columbus, OH is one that comes to mind.

Trying to get an appointment with your PCP is a nightmare but not nearly as horrific as the doctors working in urgent care. The nurses have been great, but the doctors are jerks who give you the minimum amount of attention, respect, and treatment. Ive been to the emergency room there 2-3 times now and each time just gets worse. And the last time I went to an outside urgent care (like Legacy Go Health), they kept billing me instead of Tri Care before eventually send me to collections. The specialty departments like Infectious Diseases, SATP, and even orthopedics have been top notch professionals though. So as long as you dont get sick, or the flu, or covid, or a respiratory infection, then they're good. Also, don't ever trust the liars running sleep studies. I did one for over 6 months and never got paid a dime.

I want to give a shout out to the Portland VAMC Social Work team! They have helped me all summer after a horrible accident in making sure I have access to timely care for my rehabilitation. These folks rock!

Today I had 3 visits to the VA system. I had foot exam which was quick and pain free. That was in Vancouver. Then at Portland VA I got to visit with my kidney doctor. But I had to do labs. It was 3:30 and close to the end of the day. But I lucked out and got Deb to draw my blood. She was great. 1st poke and she hit!!! Most the time it's 3-4 times. Then at the kidney doctor's I had the joy of Barbara. A nurse that made me laugh share my day I felt like she cared. What made this day was the great way Barbara and the two people at checkout enjoyed be happy and shared the moment 💖 Please thank the afternoon staff at area "A" for being "HAPPY,SHARING,and Being PROFESSIONAL. A VETERAN.

every year, the Portland VA offers walk-in hours for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. this year, they are only offering walk-in hours for flu shots. i saw somewhere online it says COVID-19 boosters can be received by appt only. so i called to make my appt, and i was informed the Portland VA is not offering COVID-19 boosters at all for the time being. i’m a veteran who served almost 8 years, and you’re telling me i can’t make my own informed choice about getting my boosters and access the healthcare i’m entitled to by service? are you serious? why aren’t you following the west coast health alliance guidelines? stop playing political football with our health. take a stand and do the right thing, or more veterans are going needlessly to suffer and/or die on your watch.