According to NNMC Deputy Commander, Capt. Tom Sizemore, a patient transfer of this size is logistically difficult, so precautionary measures were taken by NNMC leadership to ensure the move went safely for each patient. At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Sizemore, who was the acting commander, set the hospital into a mass casualty condition in order to draw enough manpower and triage services to sustain such a large influx of patient admissions.

NNMC Emergency Management Officer, HMC Bill Phillips explains that a mass casualty condition is usually only set when there's been a major incident involving many severely injured people. Sizemore says, while all the patients received from WRAMC were in stable condition, the higher state of alertness guaranteed that the transfer would go smoothly.

"As the Flagship of Navy Medicine, and the President's hospital, we must always be ready -- standing by, ready to assist. This most unfortunate opportunity has provided NNMC with a very special opportunity. We were able to exercise our response system, with real patients, but (thank God) not with patients involved in some mass disaster. The patients were prepared, transported, received and appropriate care assumed without a single episode of a breach in patient safety. We can be very, very proud of the men and women who sprang into action and assisted in this endeavor."

Customer Service Team Leader Cmdr. Nancy Bakalar says her department prepared for the patient move as well, by helping family members from Walter Reed find out the ward to which their loved ones had been transferred. According to Bakalar, six of her staff members volunteered to stay late to assist with the mass transfer, coordinating with patient administrations to get lists of the new patients and their current location at NNMC. She says her staff members even escorted people to the appropriate wards and helped them find their loved ones.

"We knew that some family members might be confused and concerned. We wanted to let them know that we would take care of them, as well as the patients."

For many staff members at NNMC, taking care of the patients first involved checking them in and finding them a bed. HN Jennifer Hattrich, who works in Patient Administration, says that was no easy task. For Hattrich, who's been in the Navy for less than a year, it was a learning experience.

"It was kind of hectic for a while, to be honest . . . a long day. But we took care of everybody. I have to say, though, that I think the reason we were able to get the job done is because we worked so well together as a team."

WRAMC staff members accompanying the patients agree that teamwork was key, citing feelings of gratitude to NNMC for lending a hand, and a home, during the power outage.

"It was really an Army/Navy team working toward a common goal of patient care," says Pediatric Nurse 1st Lt. Aimee Venne. "Really, it's not about the facility; it's about the people."

Venne says, throughout the ordeal, patient care was never compromised. She adds, in fact, that it was a rather fun transfer for one special girl that actually included a surprise birthday party.

Lexi Stein, who turned 9 years old on Tuesday, thought her birthday plans would have to be put on hold due to the power outage. According to her mom Kathy, Lexi not only got a ride in an ambulance, but the staff also had a special room in her ward at NNMC decorated in celebration, complete with streamers. Kathy says, to her daughter, the transfer just seemed like a little vacation from her regular hospital surroundings.

"It's something different, so she really liked that...and the food," says Kathy. "I am really happy that her nurses were able to come with us. I really appreciate that, because they are the ones that really know her, you know. Overall, I think it was just fun for her."

Lexi, along with most of the other patients, were transported back to WRAMC on Friday, after the hospital regained power and all services were fully restored.

Selected photos

Letters of appreciation

Also see:

Navy Public Works Assists Walter Reed Hospital. Use back button to return to this page.

Displaced patients return. Use back button to return to this page.