Air Force, Veterans Affairs partner to open surgery unit

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  After seven years of being closed, Kirtland's medical clinic has reopened its Same-Day Surgery Unit as part of a joint venture with the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

In 2006, the surgery unit was closed as surgeons in the clinic were reassigned to larger Air Force medical centers. The Air Force began sending surgical patients out to the Tricare network. At the same time, veterans seeking care through the VA began increasing significantly, requiring more resources to meet the needs of the beneficiary population.

Air Force and VA officials saw an opportunity to capitalize on an existing partnership and create a project that would benefit both organizations. The Air Force funded a $2.9 million renovation of the surgery unit and agreed to maintain the facility. In return, VA agreed to staff the new facility and perform up to 30 procedures each month on Air Force patients.

Col. Steve Reese, 377th Medical Group commander, said bringing 30 cases each month back in house from the private sector will save the Department of Defense $70,000 a month.

"Besides the cost savings, patients of both the VA and the 377th Medical Group will have quicker access to high-quality care," Reese said. "This is a win-win solution, and will strengthen our relationship with Veterans Affairs."

The unit has been operational since March 25, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony April 5.