JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Brooke Army Medical Center has temporarily reduced the number of surgical procedures to ensure the best possible care for its patients.
BAMC has become busier over the past year and surgical services, in particular, have increased in number. As a result, leaders are actively evaluating multiple courses of actions in regards to optimal staffing, required equipment, space needs as well as time utilization and process evaluation to ensure the facility is ready to meet the current demand.
“We wanted to be proactive about ensuring we are 100 percent able to meet the additional requirements with the safety and high quality standards our patients expect and deserve,” said Col. Douglas Soderdahl, deputy commander for surgical services. “We took this step very thoughtfully and with our patients first and foremost in mind.”
This temporary reduction will not affect trauma patients or any urgent procedures.
“Our commitment to our trauma mission, the city of San Antonio and the surrounding 22 counties we serve remains the same,” Soderdahl said.
However, some elective surgeries have been temporarily cancelled or postponed.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused,” Soderdahl said. “We are diligently looking at our processes so we can get back to full operational status as soon as possible and greatly appreciate your patience. Everything we do is focused on providing the highest quality care to our patients.”
Patients whose surgeries have been delayed and have questions should contact their surgeon, surgical clinic or primary care manager.
(Source: BAMC Public Affairs)