USA: NH Jacksonville Celebrates Grand Opening

Numerous dignitaries, military personnel, contractors and their families attended Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville’s five-year-$60 million renovation grand opening ceremony Sept. 7.

U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, Rear Adm. Elaine Wagner (director, Medical Resources Plans and Policy Division, Chief of Naval Operations), Capt. Lynn Welling (commanding officer, NH Jacksonville) and Capt. John Rice (executive officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast) delivered remarks to the more than 50 federal, state and local officials along hospital staff who attended.

The modernization of the hospital improves patient care while reducing costs by blending current medical technologies with environmentally sustainable design. Upgraded areas include a pharmacy with robotics, six state-of-the-art operating rooms, physical & occupational therapy with aquatic treadmill to better care for wounded warriors and also a breast care center, along with many other additions.

“Five years in the making, our spectacular new $60 million medical, surgical and clinical service areas-including our new breast care center and state-of-the-art pharmacy-bring our hospital facility on par with the expert patient-centered care we’ve been delivering for the past 70 years,” said Welling. “Along with our constant commitment to improving our processes, these cost-effective improvements and new technologies increase our capability to safely, effectively, efficiently provide outstanding care to all our 215,000 beneficiaries throughout Florida and Georgia.”

“Facilities aren’t just hangers and aprons and wharfs, but they are projects that impact the quality of life to the men and women that wear the uniform,” added Crenshaw. “Having this facility modernized and upgraded just makes it even more important that the quality of care provided is done so in a more efficient and effective way.”

Naval Hospital Jacksonville energy improvements have resulted in an annual savings of over $300,000 through energy efficiency and $30,000 in related maintenance costs. The new steam plant is expected to result in an additional savings of $750,000 annually.

Welling added, “We are giving our nation’s heroes what they have earned and we are being careful of the nation’s scare resources at the same time.”

“This is a milestone for Jacksonville, our health care community and so importantly for the Navy,” said Brown. “The military population in Jacksonville stands at nearly a quarter of a million. These folks are our brothers and our sisters. They are our neighbors and our friends. They put their lives on the line for us and it’s great to see this state of the art addition coming online to assure quality of care. This facility epitomizes what we believe in, quality care for quality people.”

The final additions to the hospital, including a post anesthesia care unit, should be completed by early 2012.

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Source: navy, September 12, 2011;