History in the Making

Change is on the horizon for the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center campus. The 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations moved to establish the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda. In coming years, a larger, more robust medical facility will provide care for our patients.

Collaboration is a key to success during BRAC actions. One of our key goals is to ensure the lines of communication are open for those who visit our facilities, our staff members, and our neighbors in the community. In addition, as construction and renovations take place on our campus, we will strive to minimize disruptions for our patients, employees, visitors, and for our community.

Walter Reed and Bethesda will Consolidate by 2011

The new WRNMMC will result in the integration of WRNMMC and WRAMC into one consolidated location. The enhanced facility will be staffed by personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force. The existing Walter Reed main installation is mandated to close by 2011 according to the BRAC law.

Specific changes at the realigned Bethesda campus will likely include construction and renovation of approximately 2,400,000 square feet of clinical and administrative space to support BRAC-mandated actions. Additional alterations and construction of support facilities such as gymnasium improvements, lodging expansion, (Bachelor Enlisted Quarters and two Fisher HousesTM), additional parking, a Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Intrepid Center of Excellence, and a dedicated Warrior Transition Brigade Barracks are also being planned and considered. In total, these new facilities will accommodate an estimated 1,862 patients and visitors daily.

Staff Will Increase

Approximately 2,200 additional medical and administrative personnel from the Army and Air Force will join the staff at WRNMMC to support the BRAC-mandated changes.

Supporting Army’s Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB)

In addition to sustaining the overall health care delivery at WRNMMC, the additional staff will support the Army’s Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB). This Brigade was established to support and promote returning injured veterans and their families as they heal and return to the force or transition to civilian life. The WTB will compliment the existing Multi-Disciplinary Casualty Team for the Navy and the Family Liaison Officers for the Air Force which serve a similar function and are currently located on Bethesda’s campus.

National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) for Traumatic Brain Injury

Another exciting feature of WRNMMC’s new landscape is the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) for Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health. This treatment and research center, generously built and equipped by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, will focus on the evaluation, diagnosis and creation of treatment plans for those service members suffering from TBI and/or PH issues.

Closely linked to the NICoE, two Fisher HousesTM are being planned. These structures will support short-term lodging and a home-like reintegration experience for service members and their family member/care taker while they participate in education and treatment programs in the hospital or NICoE.

More on NICoE >>

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