In The News

Originally Published in WRDW
By: Meredith Anderson

Augusta’s congressman says the community could have a timeline on the future of Eisenhower Army Medical Center within 90 days.

This is an update to a 12 On Your Side investigation reporter Meredith Anderson first broke in November, when reports surfaced of potential cuts at the Fort Gordon hospital.

Reported cuts to Eisenhower include closing the emergency room and operating room and ending in-patient care.

Sen. Jon Ossoff launched an official inquiry first. Then Reps. Rick Allen, Joe Wilson, Austin Scott and Sheri Biggs sent a letter to the Defense Health Agency.

Their offices said they had received reports of departments, staffing and services at Eisenhower being “severely reduced.” The letter also noted there is no equal military hospital within 300 miles and that the CSRA already has a limited number of TRICARE-approved providers.

Allen, R-Augusta, toured the hospital Jan. 30 and met with installation and hospital leadership. He said it was apparent cutbacks had been happening.

“They’ve been cutting back. And, you know, we couldn’t get an answer on that,” Allen said.

Allen said he brought those concerns to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, who has placed a hold on any changes until the Defense Health Agency submits a required report.

“And I guess that’s why they haven’t replied to our letter, is they’re preparing this report which should tell us all what the heck’s going on and how we fix it,” Allen said.

Allen said one of the most basic questions — whether the cuts stem from a hiring and funding shortfall — still hasn’t been answered.

“If they don’t have the money to hire personnel, we need to know about it,” Allen said. “Those are the answers we’re looking for.”

He said he expects those answers within roughly three months.

“Hopefully in 90 days, we’ll have the answers and be able to fully address this issue,” Allen said.

The Defense Health Agency has not denied that service reductions could happen at Eisenhower, but no official announcement has been made. Fort Jackson converted its hospital to a clinic in 2016.