By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Sunday evening, was admitted to a critical care unit after being hospitalized earlier for a bladder issue.
According to top doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the change in care was prompted after he underwent tests and evaluations for the emergent bladder issue that prompted his hospitalization.
Pentagon Press Sec. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, in a statement, said Austin transferred his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks at about 4:55 p.m. Sunday, and the White House, Joint Chiefs and Congress have been notified.
Stonix News learnt that Austin’s security detail took him to Walter Reed in Washington, where he retains the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties.
NBC News, on Sunday night, reported that the White House and Congress have been notified of his condition, along with Hicks and Gen. Charles Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Recall that Austin underwent a minimally invasive procedure in December for his prostate cancer.
He later revealed he was hospitalized for several days when the procedure resulted in a bladder infection and abdominal problems.
“The current bladder issue is not expected to change his anticipated full recovery,” Walter Reed trauma director Dr. John Maddox and prostate disease research director Dr. Gregory Chesnut said, adding that it is not clear how long Secretary Austin will remain hospitalized.
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