An entrance sign outside Fort Hood in Texas. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)
AUSTIN, Texas — Fort Hood medical officials suspended a provider from the post hospital for reported misconduct with a patient, and he is now under criminal investigation, base officials said Tuesday.
The man — not identified as a civilian or service member — is no longer providing services to patients at the Texas post and Army Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation “within hours” of a patient making a report, according to Fort Hood.
“Fort Hood and [Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center] are committed to providing world-class care to our soldiers, families, and beneficiaries, with patient safety and trust as the cornerstone of our mission,” according to Fort Hood.
Base officials are now contacting all patients seen by the man during his time at Darnall, regardless of whether they are believed to be affected by the allegations of misconduct. Patients will be given a phone number for a dedicated call center to answer their questions and provide additional resources, as needed.
CID will contact potentially affected patients, according to Fort Hood.
“We understand patients may feel distressed and anxious about this issue, and we encourage beneficiaries to contact [Darnall] for additional questions,” according to the statement.
This is a developing story and more details were requested Tuesday from Fort Hood.
Thomas B. Hamilton III, spokesman for Army CID, said agents are investigating with the “utmost care and sensitivity,” but declined to provide further information.
“To protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure all leads can be thoroughly explored, we are unable to share details at this time,” he said.
Earlier this year, Maj. Michael Stockin, an Army doctor, was convicted of sexually abusing 41 patients at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison. Some victims have filed claims for $130 million combined, stating the service did not remove Stockin after initial complaints were made, allowing him to harm more patients.
