(Oct. 12, 2016) Hospital employees, Fort Riley soldiers, military families and state government leaders took their seats for the ribbon cutting ceremony of Irwin Army Community Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
After years of legal controversy surrounding the the hospital, the new state-of-the-art facility was opened, ready to take in patients on Monday, Oct. 17. Commander of Irwin Army Community Hospital, Colonel John Melton said the facility will staff about 1,100 personnel.
These personnel will operate in the several departments taking up five levels of the hospital. Some units are unique to military operations, such as a traumatic brain injury department located on the ground floor, along with a specialized decontamination unit. The hospital also has departments for labor and delivery, emergencies, behavioral health, dermatology and many others.
The hospital commander and others spoke of the quality healthcare expected of hospital personnel as they transfer their work over to the new facility.
“This new hospital represents the unwavering commitment of our nation and our military,” said Melton during his ribbon-cutting speech, “For those who serve, and the families who share in that service. I can attest with certainty that the soldiers, civilians, contractors, volunteers and family members of the Irwin Army Community Hospital team recognize that expectations come with this gift.”
On the podium during the ceremony was Melton along with Brigadier General William Turner, Major General Thomas Tempel, Governor Sam Brownback, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and Dr. John Fahey. All of whom discussed the history and details of the hospital itself, their experience surrounding the construction of the hospital, or their affection toward Fort Riley and the soldiers stationed there.
