By Sgt. Melissa DeGeorge
28th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan
AMMAN, Jordan — Michele Votel, wife of U.S. Army Central (CENTCOM) Commander General Joseph Votel, visited Jordan April 22 to discuss the United States and Jordan partnership and level of treatment at The Specialty Hospital and Al Khalidi Hospital. Her visit started at the Specialty Hospital with a meeting involving CEO Dr. Sawzi Alhammouri and Internal Medicine/ICU Director Dr. Muhammad Khalil Azzouqa.
Votel was impressed with the efficiency, level of treatment and the accommodations provided to patients in various specialty areas. Azzouqa said that the hospital treats approximately 250,000 patients a year in the 260-bed hospital. During a conversation about Soldiers receiving medical attention, Votel asked, “Are there clinics and/or PCP’s (private care providers) outside of the hospital where patients can receive treatment?”
“There are specialty clinics available if a patient needs follow up care following an injury and our positive partnership with The Specialty Hospital assures that Soldiers receive timely and thorough treatment while stationed in country,” U.S. Army Physician Assistant, 1st Lt. Geoff Snyder responded.
Snyder further explained that there were no concerns to date regarding Tricare authorizations at The Specialty Hospital for Soldiers to receive emergency evaluation, treatment, and admission if necessary.
During Eager Lion, a training exercise conducted by U.S. Army Central, personnel were able to conduct a Medical Evacuation exercise to land aircraft at the hospital to evaluate patient transport procedure. The Specialty Hospital recently installed lights for the helipad so aircraft can land day or night in the event of an emergency.
The conversation concluded with a tour of the facility and transitioned to Al Khalidi Hospital where Votel and staff met with medical staff to discuss the types of treatment their hospital provides to Soldiers located within Southwest Asia.
Votel is a Bone Marrow Courier and an avid supporter of treatment to personnel stationed overseas. She was highly impressed with the advanced technology and care provided at the hospitals and appreciates the continued partnership with U.S. Armed Forces and Jordanian medical leadership.