Followup to yesterday's article:
Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new multi-million-dollar amputee care center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are scheduled for Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. Congress has approved $10 million for design, construction and associated costs of the center, according to Lt. Col. Christopher Castle, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Health Facility Planning Agency. "The military amputee patient care center will provide a structure to bring together all aspects of amputee patient care," said Charles R. Scoville, program manager for the U.S. Army Amputee Patient Care Program. Providers anticipate supporting approximately 300 appointments in the clinic per week once it's completed. | Something tells me they're underestimating their patient load. |
In August, President Bush signed the Defense Appropriation Bill funding the Defense Health Program at $18.2 billion in fiscal 2005, which includes $19.2 million for amputee care at WRAMC. Scoville said the amputee care center will house computer simulation training for use of advanced prosthetic devices. It will have weapons simulators and equipment so patients can train for military specific tasks, and an automotive engine repair area for patients to work on fine motor skills and dexterity. There will also be climbing ropes, a climbing wall and a rappelling wall for patients "to work on overhead skills and build their confidence."
| Physical and occupational therapy, military style! |
The center will have a vehicle simulator for patients to "regain full independence," Scoville said. It will have a running track and cardiovascular equipment, including bicycles, treadmills and elliptical trainers. There will also be a multi-axis virtual reality platform for patients to work on balance and coordination. It will have uneven terrain features, including sand, gravel and cobblestone for advanced ambulation skills. A gait lab in the center will be for patient analysis, Scoville said. There will also be offices for social workers, benefits counselors, researchers, psychologists, physicians and nurse case managers. There will also be a prosthetic shop "for fine-tuning prostheses." "The facility is designed to return patients to the highest levels of activity, and to provide a facility where research can be done to share our advances in rehabilitation and prosthetic design with all amputee patients," Scoville said.| The WaPo has run several favorable articles about this facility. By all accounts, it will be world class. I'm glad they're building it. |
|