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My limited experience with the VA medical center at The Villages occured during our recent LSP in late Nov 2010. We left with all of my VA medications, however, I needed a refill while on our LSP. We were greeted at the entrance! I nearly walked back outside to ensure I was entering a VA facality. The staff was helpful and I was able to get a refill. This came with a significant amount of patience but I was a visiting disabled Vet from Philadelphia and my refill request was completed the next day.
The staff is still being built through nationwide job-fills within the VA system, it will take time to fill all staff positions before this will be a top notch facility, but, in time, it will happen.
To grade the facility compared to others is unfair but I'll give my cut on it. Norfolk, Va. was #1 for me but, when I started in the system I was still on active duty as a Master Chief and doors opened wide for me. We then moved to Philadelphia where the service is equally as good, however, it is less than comfortable at my age taking the train, the inner city bus, then making my way to and from the VA Medical Center.
My advice, we all need exercise a little patience with the new facility. I personally look forward to riding my cart to the VA Medical Center at The Villages. No train, no subway, and no inner city bus, just a kind greeting at the door.
Finally, if in the event a few of us have to make a trip to the Va Medical Centers at Orlando, Gainsville or Tampa, lets make a day of it, I'll drive on the first run beginning June of 2011.