Walter Reed Reopens Renowned 4 East Medical Unit After State-of-the-Art Updates

Photo By James Black | Walter Reed leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon reopening the hospital's much renowned 4 East Medical Unit after state-of-the-art upgrades. Photo: U.S. Navy Private First Class Annah Yoder, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Dennis R. Waycaster, and U.S. Navy Capt. Melissa Austin, director of Walter Reed.  

BETHESDA, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

12.04.2023

Story by James Black 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
James A. Black
301-319-4563
[e-mail]


BETHESDA, Md. December 4, 2023 -- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) proudly announces the reopening of the 4 East medical unit, renowned for its role in saving the lives of 17 Afghan trauma patients and more than 100 COVID-19 patients during the height of the pandemic.

Since its launch in 2011, the 4 East team has won numerous commendations and awards, including three consecutive Good Catch Awards – recognizing staff for excellence in putting patients first and preventing loss of life by preemptively catching life-threatening events.

“Rough seas over the last couple of years led to the shuttering of three of our inpatient wards, and today marks a major step towards reversing course." “The 4 East team has historically been the epitome of excellence in military healthcare, and it’s wonderful to see the band back together again. I give all credit to our Nursing and Facilities teams for getting 4E open again ahead of schedule, allowing us to expand our inpatient capacity and enhance the skills of the entire healthcare team,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Melissa Austin, Director of Walter Reed.

Nurses, physicians, and managers embraced one another during today's ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrated a new era in 4E's history. Amy O'Connor, a project manager under Walter Reed's Quality Directorate, even brought the base's service dogs to the ribbon cutting, celebrating today's festive 4E reopening.

Hospital leaders relaunched 4E with five (5) medical beds and a staff consisting of four licensed practice nurses (LPNs), three technicians, and 12 registered nurses (RNs). Team leaders include Dr. Manuel Santiago (CNS, Ph.D., RN), the Trauma/Acute Care Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist, and U.S. Army Sergeant William Shepard, who oversees day-to-day operations. Prior to today’s relaunch, Walter Reed's IT and Facilities departments partnered to update computers, lighting, plumbing, and medical equipment.

4-East is one of 6 medical-surgical nursing units at Walter Reed National Medical Center, specializing in the care of Bariatric Surgery, ENT, Colorectal Surgery, Trauma, General Surgery, Oral/Maxillary/Facial Surgical and Internal medicine patients.

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About Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is one of the nation's largest and most renowned military medical centers. Recently dubbed "The Nation's Medical Center," we represent the joining of the "Best of the Best" in military medicine when National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center came together in September of 2011, to form Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as decreed by the Base Realignment and Closure law of 2005.

We are comprised of nearly 7,100 dedicated staff members who make it their daily mission to achieve the vision and mission of our medical center. Our vision is to serve military families and our nation's active duty, returning war heroes, veterans, and our Nation's leaders. We’re committed to operational readiness, outstanding customer service, and world-class health care delivery for our beneficiaries.

• Date Taken: 12.04.2023
• Date Posted: 12.04.2023 14:48
• Story ID: 459070
• Location: BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US