Washington, DC, Mar 10, 2007 -

U.S. Congressman John Carter (R - Round Rock), House Republican Conference Secretary, today visited Fort Hood’s Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center in Temple. Congressman Carter toured both facilities and met with patients in the wake of reports of substandard care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

“Having Fort Hood and a large military community in my district, I understand how important it is to address the recent concerns about Walter Reed and other military hospitals,” Congressman Carter said. “The reports of substandard conditions at Walter Reed greatly disturb me. It is greatly demoralizing for our troops. In exchange for our soldiers’ bravery, we owe them the highest quality medical care when they are wounded defending our freedom.”

“Given the recent concerns about military medical facilities across the country, I am happy to report the dedicated employees of Darnall and the Temple Veterans’ Center are operating the best they can given the resources available. Most of the feedback from the patients was positive; they are receiving the care they need,” Congressman Carter continued.

Included on the tour at Darnall were stops at the Emergency Department, Medical Hold Over Barracks, Medical Hold Barracks and Rough Rider Village. At the Veterans’ Center, Congressman Carter saw the Nursing Home Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Day Procedure Treatment Area, Primary Care Unit, Emergency Room and the Domiciliary.