Pentagon Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin was hospitalised on 1 January after he experienced severe pain during a routine medical procedure.
Why Pentagon Secretary of Defence was hospitalised
Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder revealed some details of the hospitalisation of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin at a US Department of Defence briefing. In particular, he explained why Austin's hospitalisation was reported late.
According to the Pentagon spokesman, on December 22, Lloyd Austin underwent a routine medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre. While in the hospital, the minister delegated certain operational duties to his patron. He was discharged the next day and continued to work from home during the holidays.
On the evening of January 1, he felt severe pain. An ambulance took him to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. He was conscious and in severe pain. He was examined by doctors that evening.
The following day, due to Austin's health, part of the Secretary of Defence's authority was transferred to Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks. The Office of the Minister, the Deputy Minister and the Joint Staff were notified of the transfer of authority via the usual email notification procedure.
The Pentagon spokesman explained the delay in reporting Austin's hospitalisation because the chief of staff to the Secretary of Defence had contracted the flu — she, like the head of the defence department, had not reported her health for a long time.
On 4 January, the Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defence began preparing a public statement and address to Congress. Still, they were informed the same day that Austin was preparing to resume full communications and related operational responsibilities on 5 January, which he did.
Austin is currently still in hospital, but has been transferred from the intensive care unit.
He continues to experience discomfort, but his prognosis is good, said Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder.
Upon resumption of his duties, the Minister was briefed and instructed. He has full access to the necessary secure communications equipment and continues to monitor the day-to-day operations of the Ministry of Defence worldwide.
Hospitalisation of Lloyd Austin
On 5 January, Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder said that Lloyd Austin was hospitalised at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on 1 January due to health complications.
The Pentagon Correspondents' Association criticised the department's decision to report the chief's medical complications after the fact, saying that the public "has a right to know when members of the US government are in the hospital, under anaesthesia, or when their duties are delegated as a result of any medical procedure".
