Although the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona is some 10 months from completion and more than two years behind schedule, VA officials announced Thursday, they’re ready to break ground on a national simulation center.
Expected to break ground in April, the simulation center will train doctors and nurses in all the latest procedures for veterans’ illnesses and injuries. VA officials claim the simulation center would be completed and up and running by mid-2o15. But don’t hold your breath.
The Orlando VA Medical Center has been beset by a host of problems, including cost over-runs and several delays. Originally set to be completed in October 2012, the VA Medical Center is now expected to open in December 2014. And costs of the 1.2 million-square-foot facility are well north of the $665 million initially approved by Congress.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) met with VA official at the Medical City Thursday, to review the hospital’s troubles, but he took time to also review plans for the simulation center.
“This will absolutely be a major help for veterans nationwide, as well as adding to Central Florida’s growing simulation industry,” Nelson said.
Later this month, the VA may open a 60-bed residential treatment center on the 65-acre medical complex designed to take patients – including those with alcohol or drug problems – and help transition them to independence.
Central Florida is home to about 400,000 veterans.
