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Strong relationships prove key to hospital completion

Published April 3, 2017
Brig. Gen. Dae-Nam Kang (left), Ministry of National Defense U.S. Forces Korea Relocation Office (MURO) chief and Col. Stephen Bales, US Army Corps of Engineers Far East District commander, take notes during a recent Tier II governance meeting held Mar. 29 at the Medical Resident Office, Camp Humphreys, South Korea. The meeting provided all organizations involved in the completion of the hospital project a chance to sync and discuss a completion date.

Brig. Gen. Dae-Nam Kang (left), Ministry of National Defense U.S. Forces Korea Relocation Office (MURO) chief and Col. Stephen Bales, US Army Corps of Engineers Far East District commander, take notes during a recent Tier II governance meeting held Mar. 29 at the Medical Resident Office, Camp Humphreys, South Korea. The meeting provided all organizations involved in the completion of the hospital project a chance to sync and discuss a completion date.

The current status of the hospital captured Mar. 29. (Photo by Antwaun J. Parrish)

The current status of the hospital captured Mar. 29. (Photo by Antwaun J. Parrish)

By Antwaun J. Parrish

USACE-Far East District Public Affairs

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea - As a part of the Yongsan Relocation Program at Camp Humphreys, the United States Army Corps of Engineers Far East District, along with other key components, have been actively engaged for the past few years with the development of a new hospital.

The long-term project has proven to be a feat that can finally see a silver lining.     

“We have experienced a big turnaround,” said Bruce Kim, resident engineer MRO. “About six months ago the schedule was unclear.”

A recent Tier II governance meeting held Mar. 29 at the Medical Resident Office (MRO) provided all organizations involved a chance to sync and discuss any concerns and the latest progress. During the meeting, it was announced that the current completion date has been set at June 2018 and the hospital is expected to welcome its first patient by June 2019.

Kim explained that developing a hospital is a bit more tedious than most projects because each room is different based on its function. He said although hospitals are a complicated system, having a good working relationship with the contractor, MRO, Health Facility Planning Organization (HFPO), and all the stakeholders, is important and has contributed to the success with this project.

The turnaround of this project was not only headed by Kim, but his deputy resident engineer who has a long history with the district and is excited about the direction it has recently taken.

Harvey Robinson, deputy resident engineer for the Medical Resident Office, explained in more detail some of the specifics in how hospitals are built and all the aspects that have been taken into account for this project.

“Hospitals are now being designed for patients comfort and warm feeling,” said Robinson. “They (medical professionals) feel that by giving them a good feeling the patient recovers faster. They also have accommodations for the family. It’s more of an environment thing that is important in newer hospitals, such as this.”

At the conclusion of the Tier II governance meeting, the FED commander congratulated the team on the success and stated the project had come a long way.

Robinson stated that it was nice to feel that they’re accomplishing the mission and although confident and ready to see the hospital completed, he won’t lose sight of what must continue for the facility to be ready on time.

“Most importantly, relationships between all the key players are key to a project like this, said Robinson.


Release no. 17-007