Offutt clinic gets makeover

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Medical Group held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Ehrling Bergquist Clinic April 21, to reopen the recently renovated in-patient services area.

"The clinic renovation expands the Mental Health office, Physical Therapy space and patient services," said Col. Patrick L. Dawson, 55th MDG commander. "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 project, which began March 24, 2010, was funded as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Nearly $12 million was used to modernize the former in-patient spaces for clinical use and make them more energy efficient for the clinic's more than 200,000 outpatient appointments.

Don Schlichting, 55 MDG facilities manager said the Physical Therapy Clinic now has nearly three times the treatment area and provides natural lighting and openness.
"The Mental Health clinic now provides a brighter patient-care area with a more natural work flow," said Mr. Schlichting. "General Surgery, Orthopedics and Podiatry offices have more efficient use of space and a friendlier atmosphere for patients and staff."

The portions renovated were built in 1965 as a hospital to accommodate outpatient clinical, ancillary, support and administrative functions. The renovation upgraded the building's interior finishes, greatly increased the energy-efficiency and extended the life of the facility.

A few of the energy-saving upgrades include a high-efficiency heating and air-conditioning system and new sensor lighting which automatically adjusts depending on the amount available window lighting. The 40-year-old windows were also replaced with a more energy-efficient window system which lowers energy use and saves taxpayer money.

"Today's delivery of healthcare requires more efficient and modern clinical facilities, which the new renovation provides," said Col. Dawson. "With our demand for medical care and associated resources, the renovation was absolutely necessary to bring the facility up to current medical care standards."

This renovation was the first of a two phase project that will consolidate most patient-care clinics on the main floor of the clinic and add much needed safety features.

The 55th Medical Group provides over 200,000 outpatient appointments or encounters annually and this renovation will allow patients to find services more easily, said Colonel Dawson.

"All the comments that I have heard from both staff and patients have been extremely positive," said Schlichting. "People like the brighter areas, clean and uncluttered spaces and say the offices look more professional."

"Phase two will finish the approximately 35,000 square feet of the north tower providing upgraded clinical and administrative areas similar to Phase one," said Schlichting. "More importantly, this phase will install a fire protection sprinkler system in the south tower and extend the new mass notification system for emergencies throughout the entire facility."