FORT HOOD, Texas — A new children's waiting room is now open at Fort Hood's Carl. R. Darnall Hospital following a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday.
The new service presents an opportunity for soldiers and their families who cannot make it to their children's appointments because of circumstances sometimes out of their control.
"It's about taking care of your family," Bill French, president and CEO of the Armed Forces YMCA, said. "I think we cal all agree there's noting more important than your family, your kids and your wife. This does exactly that."
According to Col. David Gibson, commander of the Carl R. Darnall Medical Center, the facility loses about $500,000 every month because of missed appointments.
"We see about an 8% no show rates for appointments," Gibson said. "In many systems-- outside of military systems-- when it comes to medical, you'll find that they charge you to pay for a missed appointment. We don't do that, but there is still, of course, a cost."
The new program, launched today, is established at 13 locations across the country with the Armed Forces YMCA. The Fort Hood location is the third in Central Texas. The other two are in Harker Heights and in Copperas Cove.
The free program allows children to be dropped off and be watched so soldiers and their families can be seen for medical appointments, saving on childcare costs.
"We are very excited about this," French said. "We think it's a great way for these service members and their families to be able to take care of medical things, not have to be out of pocket, and be able to make their medical appointments."
Gibson said soldiers or their families who miss appointments and no-show, has a triple effect on hospital operations.
"If you miss an appointment, it's not just the appointment that's missed. It impacts three appointments," Gibson said. "It's the appointment you missed, the person that wanted your appointment time but couldn't get it and the third appointment that you have to make to get the care that you need and didn't receive."
Officials said no-show percentages at Camp Pendleton have dropped nearly 30% since its inception almost three years ago.