BY DEWEY TERRILL
Governor Brownback, Senator Pat Riley help open the the hospital at Fort Riley
FORT RILEY -The new hospital at Fort Riley represents this country’s commitment to the health of our warriors, both past and present.
Those were the sentiments of Brigadier William “Bill” Turner, the Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, during the ribbon cutting for the new Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley on Wednesday.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our local, state and national leaders as well as the hard work and perseverance exhibited by the engineers, contractors and hospital staff.
The long delayed hospital project has finally been completed, with the facility opening to provide services next week.
Hospital Commander Colonel John Melton said, “This shapes who we are. It is what makes us an Army hospital. Ours is a solemn duty to fulfill the sacred trust, to care for those who wear and have worn the uniform and their families.”
A large audience of hospital employees, community members and elected officials including Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts plus Governor Sam Brownback were in attendance for the ribbon cutting, and the five-story building was opened up to tours afterward.
I’m so proud to see @FortRiley‘s Irwin Hospital opening for our service members, their families & veterans after so many years of effort. pic.twitter.com/TgXmgjbMMW
— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) October 12, 2016
Some of the building details included a four-bed triage that is expected to serve about 3,000 patients per year, labor and delivery area that will serve about 900 births per year, and the facility has more than 1,400 parking spaces including 572 for patient parking.
