Enhancing Health Care and Readiness: Senior Defense Officials Tour Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP) had an important visit on April 3. Senior leaders from the Department of Defense, Darin Selnick and Dr. Stephen Ferrara, came to review and improve support for military medical treatment facilities (MTFs) and patient care for service members.

Selnick, who serves as the acting under secretary for personnel and readiness, and Ferrara, who is the acting assistant secretary for health affairs, talked with NHCP’s leadership team. This included Capt. Jenny Burkett, the hospital’s director, and Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, who oversees Naval Medical Forces Pacific.

“Visiting these facilities helps us understand what we can do better,” Selnick said. He highlighted the goal of making every military treatment facility a standard for great health care.

During their visit, Selnick and Ferrara spoke openly with NHCP staff, inviting feedback on current issues like budget restrictions, staffing shortages, and patient access challenges. “This is a special time for change in military medicine,” Ferrara shared, reflecting on his 25 years as a Navy doctor.

Key points of discussion included improving provider productivity, making hiring easier, and ensuring that medical personnel receive regular training. “Our goal is to empower you to give the best care possible,” Selnick encouraged the team.

Burkett expressed pride in her team’s dedication: “Every day, our staff provides excellent care while staying ready for deployment.” This commitment to readiness underscores the dual mission of NHCP: delivering quality health care while preparing military personnel.

Additionally, discussions touched on forming partnerships with civilian trauma centers and academic institutions. These ties could enhance training and maintain skills for military medical staff. Capt. Michael Barry emphasized, “Streamlining these partnerships could greatly improve our training and readiness.”

Statistics highlight the growing need for such partnerships. According to a recent study, nearly 76% of military medical personnel report feeling unprepared for civilian trauma cases. These partnerships would help bridge that gap (source: Military Medicine Journal).

Selnick concluded, “We want every facility to have what it needs to thrive. Your work here is vital, and the care you provide for service members and their families is commendable.” His visit emphasized the essential link between health care services and military readiness.

Overall, the discussions at NHCP illustrate a committed effort to enhance military health care. This collaboration has the potential to impact the lives of service members significantly, ensuring they receive both quality care and support.

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