We're All at Walter Reed
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"The Bush Administration can fire a general or two, but until it shows the same commitment to caring for the war wounded and the rest of our nation's health that it does in waging war, Walter Reed will just be another name on a growing list of shame."
Deborah Burger, RN
Huffington Post
March 6, 2007
IMHO, Burger is another liberal democrat spouting anti-Bush sentiment and using the bad WRAMC publicity for a platform towards her own agenda.
Let me assure everyone the acute healthcare provided to active duty & their dependents, retirees & their dependents, as well as the medically boarded is TOP NOTCH, at least at Madigan Army Medical Center, Ft Lewis, WA. I have seen nothing but outstanding healthcare provided in the Intensive Care Units and Stepdown Units where my wife & I work.
I'm thankful not to be PCS at Walter Reed! WRAMC is slated under BRAC in the future to be dissolved and the area healthcare duties to be taken over by Bethesda [National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland]. IMHO, this dissolvement would be a huge mistake, but what do I know I'm just a Company Grade Army Nurse Corps officer. Anyway, it stands to reason, although not a legitimate alibi, that the barracks housing the medical hold Soldiers would get ignored of needed upgrades in lieu of pending dissolvement. Is this the direct fault of MG Weightman? I seriously doubt it! Is it not Congress that holds back $$$ for the DoD? Or, is it the liberal democrats that don't have a clue? IMHO, the VA system as a whole needs some looking into, as well.
In the wake of the continuing scandal over the housing and medical evaluation process for wounded service members at WRAMC, House and Senate Democrats have unveiled a sweeping bill promising comprehensive reforms of how combat veterans and their families are treated. The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act; the bill would mandate housing standards for the wounded, overhaul disability review boards, require one caseworker for every 20 recovering service members, extend job protections for service members to include family members who are at their side during recovery, demand that an ombudsmen be available around the clock by phone and in any hospital with more than 100 patients, and create a new independent oversight board to monitor how recovering service members are treated.
The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act is an opportunity for the Democrats to shine, or save face. I say save face because w/o the funds, or manpower we at the local level have our proverbial hands tied behind our back. Regardless, I do support such a bill, no matter who is doing the backing. However, the problem is not just at the Army Medical Centers! A shortage exist in being able to care for the medically discharged at the VA hospitals, too! The VA hospitals are understaffed and lack the funds to properly care for those medically boarded in need of long term care. IMHO, MG Weightman was probably the immediate fall guy for WRAMC.
Again, please don't think poorly of the Army Medical Department, at least at the acute level because we provide the upmost best healthcare to our Soldiers, as well as all other US Armed Forces troops!
Respectfully,
Cary James Barrett, 1LT(P) AN
P.S. My apologies to our members that follow the democratic party line. You are still Americans, for which I defend the right to free speech and the American way of life. Please, understand I believe very strongly in my career as an Army Nurse Corps officer. If, I seem on edge it is because I'm deploying to Iraq within the month with anticipated return in April 2008. My request, you may not support the Bush Administration, but please, please support the US Troops & their dependents. Thank you.
Originally Posted by NavyJim58
Walter Reed woes bring turmoil at the top
Re: Walter Reed woes bring turmoil at the top
