Fort Belvoir Community Hospital astounds with groundbreaking technology and devotion to patient care

Photo By Bernardo Fuller | Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal inspects the actuating surgical arms of the remote control da Vinci Surgical System, one of the most effective and least invasive surgical treatment options available today at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, May 30, 2012, at Fort Belvoir, Va. Westphal visited Fort Belvoir Community Hospital to gain situational awareness and ensure the Army is correctly prioritizing, balancing and integrating resources to support the mission of this vital organization.  

FORT BELVOIR, VA, UNITED STATES

05.30.2012

Courtesy Story

Secretary of the Army

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Under Secretary of the Army Dr. Joseph W. Westphal visited the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital to tour the more than $1 billion dollar, state-of-the-art and environmentally efficient facility.

The facility replaces the DeWitt Army Community Hospital and provides world-class "patient and family centered" medical services to the nations wounded, active duty service members, retirees and their family members.

"I wanted to come here today to see firsthand the incredible capabilities of this hospital and to commend the leadership, and workforce, on ensuring that patient care is the No. 1 priority," Westphal said.

Designed to the latest standards in care, Westphal toured the hospital's environmentally friendly features, as well as cutting-edge medical technology that can perform complicated tests and procedures with flawless precision and accuracy.

One example of the new technology was the da Vinci Surgical System. Using the most advanced technology available, the system enables surgeons to perform delicate and complex surgical operations through tiny incisions. The system is powered by high-tech robotics and an ergonomically designed console that gives the surgeon the best possible view with HD cameras to make precise movements of the instruments working inside the patient's body.

"This sophisticated technology is remarkable and underscores our commitment to providing our soldiers and their families with the very best care and treatment available today," Westphal said.

Westphal also toured the emergency department, which manages one of the busiest emergency rooms in the national capital region.

Throughout his visit, Westphal recognized the hospital staff for their expertise and dedication to providing high-quality medical care for soldiers and their families. "This is a true team of professionals. The proficiency of this staff and the extensive capabilities of this facility speak volumes about the strength and advancements in military medicine," Westphal told the workforce.

"The honorable Dr. Westphal's visit to Fort Belvoir Community Hospital is another example of our military's continued focus and commitment to ensuring our nation's heroes - both past and present - and their families receive safe, quality and compassionate care in a world-class healing environment," said Col. Susan Annicelli, hospital commander.

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital is designed to increase hospital and outpatient care to all service members and veterans in the National Capital Region. The greater capacity and enhanced specialty care promotes the highest level of quality "patient and family centered care".

To learn more about how the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital provides world-class care for the nations wounded, active duty service members, retirees and their family members visit http://www.fbch.capmed.mil/SitePages/Home.aspx

• Date Taken: 05.30.2012
• Date Posted: 06.04.2012 11:27
• Story ID: 89392
• Location: FORT BELVOIR, VA, US