Photos: CenturyLink transforms into a military field hospital
In less than 48 hours, the CenturyLink Field Event Center has been transformed into a 250-bed military field hospital for non COVID-19 patients in the Seattle-area.
Soldiers from the 627th Army Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado, and soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord deployed the hospital over Monday and Tuesday this week.
“We’re very honored to be here and be a part of this mission,” said Col. Laura Elliott, commander of the 62nd Medical Brigade stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
“We anticipate we’ll be here until FEMA says there’s no longer a mission or no longer a need here,” Col. Elliott said. “We could be here 60 days; we could be here six months. We simply don’t know at this time but we are prepared to stay here as long as we are needed and provide the support to the community.”
The field hospital includes an emergency room area, x-ray capabilities, a patient administration division, a lab area, microbiology, blood banking, operating room suites, as well as minimal care, intermediate care and intensive care units.
“Within 48 hours of notification, we answered the nation's call," said Col. Hope Williamson-Younce, commander of the 627th Hospital Center, from Fort Carson, Colorado.
"We have medical doctors, nurses and support staff from all over the nation. They have mobilized in a moment’s notice to support our brothers and sisters here in Seattle, Washington.”
Below are scenes from a 30-minute media tour of the field hospital on Tuesday.