Winn ACH positions for growth, patient care
Maj. Michael F. Brown III
Winn ACH
30 January 2017
In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, many hospitals are undergoing modifications to position themselves for the future. These modifications are no different here at Winn Army Community Hospital, which has just undergone structural and organizational changes to improve the patient and staff experience while also preparing for growth of the facility.
For years, Winn has staffed and operated two separate inpatient units to take care of Fort Stewart Soldiers, Family Members, and Soldiers for Life. However, in mid-January, the Progressive Care Unit and the Family Care Unit merged into one unified ward, in a move which aims to improve staffing efficiency and to boost morale, while also improving patient satisfaction. By joining the inpatient medical staff into one cohesive team, Winn leadership is showing a commitment to providing the best care to its valued Soldiers and their beneficiaries. “This is an exciting time for the Winn staff,” said Intermediate Care Ward Clinical Nurse officer-in-charge, Maj. Kimberly Sugg. “The merge has brought us closer together as a team, and that can only be a positive for our patients.”
The new unit, known as the ICW, has the same capabilities for patient care as the two previous units and offers an environment where all patient needs can be met. The patient rooms on the ICW offer more privacy and a private bathroom, which allows patients the opportunity to get well in a more comfortable environment.
In addition to improvement of the patient and staff experience, the merge aligns Winn with a plan for future growth. Colonel Christopher Warner, U.S. Army Medical Department Activity Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield hospital commander, has made it a priority to increase the number and complexity of patients who are seen at Winn. His goal is to offer as many services as possible to the beneficiaries.
“This postures the hospital to not only increase our complexity but also increase our bed capacity as needed to support our community,” Warner said. “Increasing the number and type of services at Winn will subsequently prevent many lengthy journeys to other local healthcare facilities or hospitals for their healthcare.”
This merge is the first step in a phased plan, which will update and expand Winn’s inpatient capabilities. There are plans in place to renovate the ICW to more than double the amount of patients who can be admitted. With the merge completed, Winn will now turn its focus toward continuing to position itself to better take care of Fort Stewart’s Soldiers, Family Members, and Soldiers for Life.
-30-