JUNE 20, 2008 – A team of medical professionals from the National Rehabilitation Hospital is calling the U.S. Army’s rehab services in Germany impressive. The NRH team has been in Germany since last weekend to work with the US Army's Europe Regional Medical Command (ERMC), in assessing their current rehabilitation practices. 

 “The integrity and capability of our military health care system to address the diverse and complex needs of our injured service members are impressive,” says NRH Team leader John Brickley, Vice President at NRH for Ambulatory Services. “Just as in the civilian world, there are areas where improvements are possible, but midway through our tour, we have witnessed some excellent best practices at the Army’s facilities.”

The team will spend the next week making recommendations and suggestions for improving the quality and delivery of care given to injured soldiers and other military personnel. The Army’s ERMC operates 15 ambulatory care centers in Germany which are the initial treatment sites for injured soldiers from Iraq. These ambulatory centers not only diagnose and provide treatment, but they determine the location of ongoing care for those soldiers wounded overseas.

In an effort to enhance its operations, the U.S. Army proactively reached out to NRH to gain additional insight and expertise in its continued commitment to promote an exceptional rehabilitation model.

“We are pleased to have NRH with us in Germany,” noted Colonel Mary Lopez. “We share the same commitment as NRH to develop comprehensive care plans so each and every one of our injured soldiers can return to their maximum capability and potential.”

 “The passion, commitment and skills of the Army’s military health care providers and support personnel on the ground in Germany are clearly evident,” adds Brickley.