When Medical Command announced in June 2015 the decision to close the United States Army Health Clinic Livorno, the countdown began to the end of an era for the Camp Darby Community.
During a May 3 ceremony, and facing the building that served as its final home, the U.S. Army Health Clinic Livorno officially deactivated and cased its colors, bringing to close more than 65 years of the unit serving as the medical home for the Camp Darby Military Community.
The clinic was originally established in 1951 as the 28th Station Hospital in Camborne. In 1956, the unit was restructured and Livorno became a detachment of the 45th Field Hospital based in Vicenza, a unit brought to Italy in support of troops after American withdrawal from Austria.
"It is important, as we say our farewells today to the memory of the Livorno Clinic, and to all who have served here over the years, that we also pay homage to all Army medical personnel who have served on this hallowed ground, particularly those who fought for the liberation of Italy," said Regional Health Command-Europe Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Norvell Coots.
In 1975, the 45th Field Hospital was realigned under 7th Medical Command-Europe, and the headquarters for the 45th was moved to Livorno.
The 45th Field Hospital headquarters was returned to Vicenza in 1987 and the United States Army Health Clinic Livorno remained. In 1991, the clinic saw 11,233 patients total in support of Operation Desert Storm and the Camp Darby Community.
"History books are good at capturing dates, titles and locations. They also record many stories of remarkable and prominent figures," Coots said about the lineage of the organization. "However, the story of how a successful unit really accomplishes its mission is more challenging to capture because it is a story told through the daily work of the organization's heart and soul -- its people."
In December 1993, the 45th Field Hospital was deactivated and converted to the United States Army Medical Department Activity. In October 1995, the United States Army Medical Department Activity-Livorno was downsized to a Health Clinic.
Despite unit deactivation and clinic closure, U.S. Army Health Care Center Vicenza Commander Lt. Col. Brian Bender said that Army Medicine remains committed to the community and will continue to facilitate the transition and ensure readiness of Darby residents.
"While this may be end of 65 years of direct medical care, this is not the end of the book," said Bender. "Army and DoD Medicine remain committed to Camp Darby and I promise to continue the Vicenza relationship and commitment."
As part of the transition, Camp Darby patients will be referred to the local physicians in Pisa, San Rossore and Livorno hospitals.
For longtime clinic personnel, the ceremony was an emotional time. But Patient Liaison llaria Guerini said, even though it's difficult to see the clinic closing, they remain committed to serving patient needs.
"It is important that our customers don't feel abandoned. There will be three liaison officers at the clinic, (and) we will be more than glad to provide our service as interpreters and liaison with the Italian doctors," said Guerrini.
The clinic had been preparing the community for this day for a while. Part of those plans included hosting a meet-and-greet social with local community health care providers in January. Darby Military Community residents met with several Italian care providers from the Pisa Hospital and San Rossore Clinic, to provide an opportunity to gain some familiarity with them and their facilities.
Staff. Sgt. Raymond Smith served as commander of troops during the deactivation ceremony.
"I had a small part in this clinic's history; for some, the worst part, but for me a significant historical impact for the community and military members that we served," said Smith.
Coots talked about the future of the Soldiers assigned to this area and wanted to reassure them that they will always be taken care of.
"As we look to the future, whatever changes may come, we can be certain of two things: our patients come first and our mission is critical," Coots said. "And while this clinic may be closing, our commitment to the health and readiness of those who will remain on this base will be as resolutely strong as ever. That is our promise."
Social Sharing