Walter Reed Medical Center to Be Closed
Incredible. The place has such a tremendous history that it's almost like hearing Fort Knox was closing. Which, as far as I know, isn't, but still, it's quite a bombshell.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at August 25, 2005 08:46 AMI know -- this is one of those decisions that just doesn't make much sense to me. Both Bethesda and Walter Reed are always jammed full of patients, and since lived in the area and had lots of military and retired military friends, we were constantly hearing about how busy both installations were. Cannot imagine that it will help the quality of care much to combine the two, and effectively reduce the number of patients that can receive care there.
Posted by: Grouchy Old Yorkie Lady at August 25, 2005 09:30 AMI think people get the idea that economies of scale translate equally well in every situation. It's true up to a point, but what works well for moving vast quantities of merchandise doesn't necessarily work as well for health care.
The services want to get out of the retiree/family member care business. Our local post once had a fine hospital. Today we have a over-staffed referral service.
By putting Walter Reed on the chopping block, the Army relieved tiself of an expensive headache and transferred it to the Navy.
Posted by: Larry Anderson at August 25, 2005 10:42 AMI wonder who the Navy'll give it to next?
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at August 25, 2005 10:49 AMThe Air Farce?
Posted by: Larry Anderson at August 25, 2005 11:11 AMCareful! They'll drop a JDAM on you!
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at August 25, 2005 11:14 AMI know people who know people that can deliver that JDAM, so be nice!
Posted by: Nate at August 26, 2005 10:21 AM