Stimulus plan includes new hospital at Camp Pendleton

The federal economic stimulus package signed by President Obama includes money for construction of a new hospital at Camp Pendleton, estimated to cost more than $500 million, the Navy announced today.

The hospital will replace the current 600-bed Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, built in 1974. The new hospital is slated to be completed in 2013 and equipped and operational by 2014, providing services ranging from maternity and newborn care to adult intensive care.

“The care of our wounded warriors is paramount,” said Capt. C. Forrest Faison III, commanding officer of the current hospital.

Like the current hospital, the new facility will provide care for active-duty, reservist and retired military personnel and their families. The stimulus package also includes $621 million for a new hospital at the Army’s Ft. Hood base in Texas.

-- Tony Perry

Photo: The existing 600-bed Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton was built in 1974. Credit: U.S. Navy