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72nd MDG excited about move into new clinic

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The long wait is almost over. In just a few weeks, the staff and equipment in Bldg. 5801, the 72nd Medical Group clinic, will relocate to the new medical clinic, Bldg. 1094.

Situated across from Gott Gate, between Codding Road and the Hill Conference Center on S. Air Depot Boulevard, is the 171,000 square-foot facility that will offer state-of-the art amenities to its customers as they are treated with "the best care anywhere." Construction of the facility began in summer 2009.

But, before it can happen, the staff must physically move their equipment and themselves to the building; which is no small feat and will likely present plenty of challenges. Then, they must train themselves on life safety codes, which is part of an upcoming accreditation process. With the move occurring primarily July 25-31, Col. Dean Prentice, 72nd MDG commander, and his team said they are excited and eager for what's to come.

"Traditionally, when you walk into a building, you walk into a culture," Colonel Prentice said. "You walk into, 'this is how we do it here.' But, we're all walking into this building for the first time together."

With a plan of attack in place, the colonel said the move should run smoothly, but even he knows the unexpected can occur.

"We do expect chaos," he said. "We're moving from point A to point B and we'll have a central location set up so we have that one point of control. But, we realize trucks will break down, people will squish their feet, fingers will get pinched and lunch will have to happen. Our plan of attack is rapid and fast and to get as much done as we can the first two days -- Thursday and Friday -- when we have a large portion of our workforce here."

Staff Sgt. Jennifer Garrsion, a mental health technician with the 72nd Medical Operations Squadron, who has resided in Bldg. 5801 for nearly two years, said even though she's taken precautionary measures, she is most nervous about the transporting of equipment.

"As an equipment custodian, the move of all the equipment -- computers, monitors, printers, TVs and medical equipment -- on my inventory scares me," she said. "It's just stressful thinking about losing something in the process."

But the possibility of what could go wrong isn't as strong as Sergeant Garrison's excitement once they get into the new clinic.

"It will be like moving into a brand new house. We are going to show it off to the best of our abilities," she said. "The newness of everything is exciting. I think the new facility will bring out positive changes within each of us and the 72nd MDG as a whole."

Olga Simons, Sergeant Garrison's supervisor, said she is excited by the building itself.
"What a remarkable architectural work," said Ms. Simons, Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager who called Bldg. 5801 home for nearly 10 years. "I can hardly wait to be in my new office with great, nice big windows overlooking the lake. All those windows throughout the building will bring nice uplifting rays of sunshine."

It will also bring a great patient experience, said 1st Lt. Russell Ramsey, 72nd Air Base Wing executive officer to the commander, who had been in the Medical Support Squadron and worked in Bldg. 5801 for nearly three years.

"It will be a great experience for patients and all those caring for them with its new technology and bright, open environment," he said.

Designed by architectural firm Sherlock, Smith and Adams; Hensel Phelps Construction Company was awarded the construction contract. The clinic is part of the Department of Defense's Military Construction Program. Meaning, Congress approved the project and provided the funds to pay for the $51 million clinic.

"This is very humbling and historic," Colonel Prentice said. "What a great opportunity to lay a foundation of a healthcare organization that has a patient at the center and to lay that framework for great success for the future."

Inside, the energy-efficient facility will feature a large atrium, informational TV screens, a coffee bar, an orthopedic clinic and a larger dental clinic in addition to other assets currently featured.

The new facility will be operated by the medical group. Tenants will include the 507th Medical Reserve Squadron, Navy medical personnel assigned to Strategic Communications Wing ONE and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Pre-Discharge Disability Claims Office.

It is estimated the facility will provide approximately 500 medical and dental appointments, 1,400 prescriptions, 100 x-rays, 250 laboratory tests and 100 referrals every day to the 54,000-plus beneficiaries.

The new medical treatment facility will be the fourth one in Tinker's history. The first one opened when the installation was founded in the 1940s. Approximately 15 years later, when the base outgrew the initial facility, a new hospital was constructed east of the Sooner Road perimeter fence. And in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, additions were added to increase the clinic space to the current 188,000-square-foot facility.

Though it was initially constructed as an in-patient center with surgical suites and patient rooms, the medical group's mission changed in the 1990s and the in-patient services ended. Surgical suites and patient rooms are now used for storage, training rooms and offices.

When the May 1999 tornado struck, it damaged Bldg. 5801. While the outside remains presentable, the support structure was damaged. Repairs were made to suit the short-term need, but were not designed to be permanent.

"This old house is done and for the next 50 years, this new facility should be the gem of the Air Force," Colonel Prentice said.