Walter Reed Forges Ahead, Surpassing 150 Beds Toward a 200-Bed Goal

Photo By Harvey Duze | As the days slowly get warmer, spring has truly arrived at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. The foliage around the hospital has been coming out of its winter hibernation with a display of flowers and the return of green in the trees and bushes. This year, the flowering trees are more spectacular due in part to a milder than normal winter. Today, staff members took time out from their work to get in a hike or run around the path stretches around the front of the hospital. The blossoming trees that border the lake form the perfect location for viewing the “historic” Tower (Bldg. 1), not to mention a great place to just stop and take a short rest before returning to work. This part of the base has always been a great place to take a break during the day, and so far, this spring season has made it even more special. Photographs by Harvey A. Duze (Office of Command Communications, WRNMMC)  

BETHESDA, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

03.06.2024

Story by Vernishia Vaughn 

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has now exceeded 150 inpatient beds, marking significant progress toward their objective of increasing its inpatient bed capacity to 200.

"We've come a long way in a short time, and I'm so proud of our team for coming together to make it happen, stated U.S. Navy Capt. Melissa Austin, Walter Reed hospital director. "Inpatient census is directly tied to our ability to develop and sustain the skills of the health care team, and equally importantly, our ability to provide the care that our patients need, whenever they need it."

Austin went on to share that for them to receive patients with the highest acuity from around the world, "Walter Reed must be ready, and surpassing the century-and-a-half mark is a significant milestone on that journey."

To ensure a seamless transition to increased bed capacity, Walter Reed has onboarded close to 200 new hires across various fields over the last six months. This strategic staffing effort has allowed for a safe transition to increased inpatient capacity. 

Significantly adding to their progress, the iconic 4 East medical unit was reopened in December 2023. The medical unit is 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 COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic and a nation-wide nurse shortage, Walter Reed continues to optimize the health, safety, and readiness for our Nation's past, present, and future heroes anytime, anywhere, always.

• Date Taken: 03.06.2024
• Date Posted: 03.06.2024 16:19
• Story ID: 465521
• Location: BETHESDA, MARYLAND, US