FT. CAMPBELL, Ky. – Civilian Defense Department employees at Fort Campbell begin three months of mandatory furloughs this week. More than 1,200 employees at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital are required to take 11 days off without pay, mainly affecting Fridays. Furloughs will continue through September.
Using the Army Medical Department guidelines, the hospital commander granted over 200 staff exemptions to the furlough in order to maintain safe and effective operations. Some services will remain open such as the Emergency Center, Embedded Behavioral Health and the Warrior Care Clinic within the Warrior Transition Battalion.
“While our patients continue to be our number one priority, it will be difficult to maintain our normal operations without our valued civilian personnel available during the 11 furlough days,” said BACH commander Col. Paul R. Cordts. “Patient safety, quality and standard of care will not be compromised or diminished as we work through necessary adjustments resulting from furloughs.”
Patients should expect longer wait times for some appointments and services during the 11-week period.
The following primary care services, or Patient Centered Medical Homes, will maintain normal operating hours on Fridays: Air Assault Family Medical Home, Young Eagle Medical Home, Gold Medical Home and Screaming Eagle Medical Home. In addition, the Warrior Care Clinic will maintain normal operating hours.
The Byrd Family Medical Home will offer acute walk-in services and limited appointments on Fridays.
Soldier Health Services at LaPointe Health Clinic, Byrd Soldier Health Clinic and Troop Medical Clinic 5 will offer sick call services, acute walk-in services and limited appointments on Fridays.
Specialty services that will remain open with normal operating hours on Fridays include the Laboratory, Town Center Pharmacy, Radiology MRI services by appointment only, urgent Radiology services as directed by a provider and Embedded Behavioral Health clinics. In addition, Adult Behavioral Health will offer walk-in services for acute needs.
All other specialty services will close or offer reduced hours every Friday during the furlough period. Beginning July 8, the Main BACH Pharmacy will close at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and close Fridays. The chart below will provide a detailed list of services available.
“As we work through the challenges of the furlough timeframe, we greatly appreciate your patience,” said Cordts.
Beneficiaries may contact a Patient Advocate at 270-798-8091 or 8718 for issues or concerns related to quality or access to care. Wounded, injured or ill Soldiers and their Families may contact the 24/7 Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline at 1-800-984-8523.