If Walter Reed Hospital wasn't privatized and run by an ex-Halliburton official would it have gotten so bad

Question

Just do a search on "Walter Reed" and "Privatization".

It was supposed to be one of the crown jewels in President Bush's privatization deals. That efficient private sector managment was cutting supervisory staff there by 80% just a few months ago.

Answer 1

Great point!!! The privatization is little talked about-and seems important to me. That was kept out of main media.

From the Army Times: The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has subpoenaed Maj. Gen. George Weightman, who was fired as head of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, after Army officials refused to allow him to testify before the committee Monday.

Read complete coverage of the Walter Reed controversy.

Committee Chairman Henry Waxman and subcommittee Chairman John Tierney asked Weightman to testify about an internal memo that showed privatization of services at Walter Reed could put “patient care services… at risk of mission failure.”

But Army officials refused to allow Weightman to appear before the committee after he was relieved of command.

“The Army was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the decision to prevent General Weightman from testifying,” committee members said in a statement today.

The committee wants to learn more about a letter written in September by Garrison Commander Peter Garibaldi to Weightman.

The memorandum “describes how the Army’s decision to privatize support services at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was causing an exodus of ‘highly skilled and experienced personnel,’” the committee’s letter states. “According to multiple sources, the decision to privatize support services at Walter Reed led to a precipitous drop in support personnel at Walter Reed.”

The letter said Walter Reed also awarded a five-year, $120-million contract to IAP Worldwide Services, which is run by Al Neffgen, a former senior Halliburton official.

Answer 2

the walter reed medical center isnt that bad. like any other hospital additions and modifications are made over the years and some parts are newer than others.it isnt like the entire place is in total disrepair. some parts need renovated. but we have all lived in worse conditions than those described in the media. i can go into the reasons why this story got so blown out of proportion, but that would be getting off the subject. i never had to be treated there, but i know people who have and they were completely satisfied with the care they received.

Answer 3

Hey Brainiac...Walter Reed Army Medical Center is run by the Department of the Army...they do have some contractor, i.e. house keeping, few Lab people...but Halburton is not a contractor...It is ran by Active Duty Army and Department of the Army Civilians...your Bush hate makes you look like a MORON!

Answer 4

I don't know where you get your info from, but Walter Reed is and has always been an Army hospital. managed and funded by the VA

Answer 5

The 'privatization' only covers the day to day operations. Major building renovations have to be funded by Congress.

BTW - exactly how much would you recommend we spend to renovate a building that is scheduled to be torn down?

Answer 6

The hospital was on a closure list. If a building is closing, you don't maintain or make improvements. Our government did this screw up and during a war when this hospital is badly needed.

Answer 7

Probably not, it's still inexcusable the way they are treated!!