CAMP BUCCA, Iraq-The 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers and Iraqi Advisor Task Force conducted their bi-monthly visit to the Umm Qasr Hospital recently.
This time, IQATF members met with the hospital surgical ward administrator and doctors in the radiology department to advise them about fixing a broken X-Ray machine that is vital to the care given at the hospital, continuing to build a positive relationship with the staff.
"The coalition forces and civilians are helping the hospital, people of Umm Qasr are more confident in the care they are receiving, and more people are using the free clinic," said a hospital administrator, who asked not to be named.
This partnership began six months ago when the IQATF established operations out of Camp Bucca. The hospital received medical equipment, staff training, and improvements to the buildings.
The Red Cross is assisting the hospital take the steps necessary in constructing a new emergency room and purchasing vehicles to be used as ambulances.
"I can see a vast improvement in the care for the local people and I am confident in the overall positive direction of the city," said an emergency room nurse, who asked not to be named.
Outside the hospital, Soldiers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd BSTB treated minor cuts and scrapes for locals.
"Helping the children here at the schools helps [Iraqis] to see us in a positive light, that we are here to help," said Spc. Jack Jackson, of Dearborn Heights, Mich., a medic with 3rd BSTB.
Related Links:
1st Infantry Division and United States Division-South Web Site
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