Medical group commemorates start of $24 million renovation

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  To commemorate the start of a $24 million renovation project, members of the 55th Medical Group held a wall breaking ceremony at the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic here April 10.

The event ceremoniously marked the start of the second and final phase of upgrades that began in 2009.

"This is what I call Extreme Makeover: Ehrling Berquist Edition," said Col. Patrick Dawson, 55th MDG commander. "This means a lot to our patients and to the 55th MDG."

This eighteen month project is focused on upgrading the medical specialties clinics, minor procedures suite, radiology, Tricare operations and patient administration area, public health, personnel reliability program clinic and the facility support functions of the medical logistics flight.

It will also increase the clinic's utility infrastructure and enhance patient and staff safety as it includes a new emergency mass notification system, fire suppression system and a new fire alarm system throughout.

"In 1965, the medical facility was built to support a 125 bed regional hospital," Dawson said. "Today's delivery of healthcare requires more efficient and modern clinical facilities, which the renovation provides. It includes expansion of the clinical areas and upgrades to newer, more modern space requirements, all presenting a more welcoming atmosphere to patients and visitors.

"This entire facility enhancement effort is to foster safe, efficient and quality medical care for our 48,000 eligible beneficiaries, all provided by the outstanding men and women of the 55th MDG," he added.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Air Force Medical Support Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, 55th Wing, 55th MDG and J.E. Dunn Construction. It will complete the modernization of more than 95,000 square feet of the clinic's north tower.

"This is a really nice upgrade to our facilities," said Brig. Gen. Donald Bacon, 55th WG commander. "Our medical group truly keeps our missions going. We're deployed all over the world and they're all about readiness and do such a wonderful job."

The first phase of the project was completed in 2011. It converted approximately 40 former in-patient rooms, three labor and delivery rooms and various support areas into more efficient clinical and administrative space.

"This entire project is all for our patients and staff," Dawson said. "We have more than 30,000 enrolled at the facility, 48,000 eligible beneficiaries overall, and they certainly deserve this upgrade."

Upon completion of the project, the clinic's north tower life cycle should be increased by at least 20 years.