KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 377th Medical Group’s newly renovated physical therapy clinic saw its first patients last week, following nine months of construction.
The clinic was expanded to provide more space for patients, several open bay treatment areas were added and new equipment was purchased. In addition, the chiropractic clinic is now co-located with physical therapy to help improve communication and patient care.
“This is going to make our treatment better for everyone,” said Lt. Col. Dolphis Z. Hall, 377th Medical Support Squadron commander. “We worked well together to make sure the task was completed efficiently, and we’ve turned over a great product to our patients.”
The renovation of the physical therapy clinic is the first of five phases of a $16.9 million project to upgrade the entire medical clinic. The first phase included renovating half of the third floor administrative offices and some education and training rooms.
Hall said the renovation was needed to deliver on the Air Force Medical Service’s theme of “Trusted Care Anywhere.”
“When a building needs to be renovated, we have to come through with the projects,” Hall said. “It hasn’t been easy, but we know we have to stay aggressive to complete things in a timely manner because we know our patients were waiting. At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of our patients so they can return healthy to the force.”
Richard Hart, facility manager, said patients will see a significant step up in the medical facility.
“The facility is improving in every way, and will especially be more appealing visually,” he said. “The medical clinic has always provided great care, but visually it was showing its age and was in need of a facelift.”
He said design concept was to represent a New Mexican flavor with the color schemes. Visitors will notice earth tones on the first floor, vegetation tones on the second floor and sky tones on the third floor.
Hall said the construction has caused some inconveniences at the clinic, but he “appreciates the patients’ patience” while construction is underway.
“We’ve had to strategically move some areas around and the patients have been extremely patient with us and it’s paying off with a better product,” he said. “As we go through the next four phases, we know we’ll get the same payoff, and it will be a better place for all of us and our beneficiaries.”
The next phase will see the renovation of the Public Health Clinic and the completion of the third floor administrative offices. The entire project is expected to be completed in August 2017.
The 377th MDG provides daily operational medical support to the 377th Air Base Wing and more than 100 associate organizations. The group provides primary health care and specialty care to patients enrolled in TRICARE Prime, both those assigned to Kirtland as well as other eligible beneficiaries.