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

By Lt. Col. Rob ManningJune 1, 2012

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital astounds with groundbreaking technology and devotion to patient care
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 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 ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital astounds with groundbreaking technology and devotion to patient care
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal operates the surgeon's console of the da Vinci Surgical System, which enables surgeons to perform surgeries through tiny incisions and is powered by high-tech robotics that gives the surgeon the best pos... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital astounds with groundbreaking technology and devotion to patient care
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A surgeon at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital demonstrates the actuating arms of the da Vinci Surgical System, which enables surgeons to perform operations through tiny incisions and is powered by high-tech robotics that gives the surgeon the best... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital astounds with groundbreaking technology and devotion to patient care
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Susan Annicelli, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Commander, explains to Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal how the hospital employs environmentally friendly initiatives, such as swooped roofs, which collect rain water that is stored ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (May 30, 2012)--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.

Related Links:

Under Secretary of the Army's leader page

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital