Corps of Engineers transforms military medical care

By Rashida Banks, USACEJanuary 4, 2012

Corps of Engineers transforms military medical care
A Soldier donates blood at the new $5 million blood donor center at Fort Bragg, N.C., completed by the Savannah district in August 2010. Technologically advanced blood donor centers, such as this one, focus on the collection, processing, testing, sto... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAVANNAH. Ga. (Jan. 4, 2011) -- Moves associated with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, or BRAC, report have resulted in the relocation of thousands of military service members and families. In the years following the BRAC announcement, the Department of Defense has remained committed to taking care of its people.

As a result, the Savannah district has constructed more than $560 million in new, renovated and expanded healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, to accommodate the influx of people arriving at installations due to BRAC and Army transformation.

The Corps works closely with the U.S. Army Health Facilities Planning Agency to plan, design, and construct medical facilities that accommodate new and evolving technologies, provide a healing environment, and empower patients and families. To accomplish this, input is also drawn from the patients and staff who will use the facilities.

"The customer plays a crucial role in the development of medical facilities," said Tim Morris, Savannah district senior project manager for medical projects. "Clinic and hospital staffs are intimately involved in the design and equipping of these facilities because patient-centered care is hugely affected by the floor plan layout and equipment integration into the facility. That input must come from the staffs that know how to deliver care and how to use the equipment."

These facilities are designed to meet high-energy and environmental standards and include features such as soothing colors, textures, furnishings, natural views, and controls that allow patients to adjust the temperature, lighting, and electronics.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Health News

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District