Salem VA to make upgrades to health care infrastructure

wset.com · Feb 19, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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by WSET STAFFWed, February 18, 2026 at 10:27 PMVeteran care in the area could be changing as the Dept. of Veterans Affairs is recommending that the Salem VA Medical Center close and be replaced by a new medical center in Roanoke. March 18, 2022. (Credit: Mia Nelson: WSET)SALEM, Va. (WSET) — The Salem VA Health Care System announced on Wednesday the beginning of infrastructure upgrades, part of a record $4.8 billion in nationwide VA spending to modernize, repair, and improve departmental health care facilities during 2026.The projects are a part of the Veterans Health Administration's Non-Recurring Maintenance program.The improvement projects set for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 at the Salem VA are:The renovation of tile floors in 20 private patient restrooms in a medical-surgical unit, for veterans who are recovering from surgery or receiving care for illnesses. An upgrade of the medical center's imaging space (architectural, electrical and mechanical) to allow for the installation of a new Nuclear Medicine camera, which will provide cutting-edge accuracy for precise diagnosis, a reduction in required radiation dosage and shorter total scan times. The installation of new and upgraded gas and groundwater monitoring wells to ensure environmental safety compliance with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality standards. SEE ALSO: Education, marijuana and gun bills head to Senate after crossover“Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans, and these funds will enable the Salem VA Health Care System to achieve that goal,” said Salem VA Health Care System Interim Director Tammy Snyder.The infrastructure investments are part of a number of current initiatives to improve the VA. Since Jan. 20, 2025, the VA has:Reduced the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits by 60 percent.Eliminated the backlog of Veteran families waiting for VA health care.Processed record numbers of disability claims, reaching an all-time fiscal-year high of three million claims processed Sept. 30.Opened 25 new health care clinics, expanding access for Vets around the country.Offered veterans more than 1.9 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving veterans more timely and convenient options for care.