56th MDG moves into second phase clinic modernization

  • Published
  • By Doug Brown
  • 56th Medical Support Squadron
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As the Luke Air Force Base community's medical needs have changed, the 56th Medical Group has been evolving with those needs. 

In 2004 the 56th MDG began its transition from a 25-bed inpatient facility to an outpatient clinic. The clinic's main facility, Bldg. 1130, is undergoing a large-scale renovation that will transform old inpatient areas into modern and efficient outpatient clinics and administrative space. This new and efficient layout eliminates operation and maintenance costs by removing 22,000-plus square feet from outlying facilities. 

The contract for the Luke clinic modernization project was awarded to a firm that specializes in healthcare facility construction. Their scope of work encompasses approximately 77,615 square feet of renovation space that has been broken into two phases. 

The first phase, which is coming to a close, entails a large-scale renovation of the second and third floors, as well as the old surgery suite on the first floor of the clinic. 

Phase two calls for a significant renovation of physical therapy, family health and the command sections. The end result is a modern design that will bring public health, mental health, family advocacy, pediatrics, and the allergy and immunization clinics into the main facility. 

The build team has provided a state-of-the-art 21st century medical facility. The public space concept includes a widened lobby with unified waiting areas and corridors that have one consistent theme. The resulting medical mall ties family practice, pediatrics, allergy and immunization, surgery and orthopedics, and optometry services in a convenient and easily identifiable manner. 

The modern state-of-the-art layout of the updated clinic, allowed for the second floor to transform into a therapies pavilion, where all related services are organized and consolidated into a single area. The third floor will be home to a modern corporate office environment, consolidating most of the clinic's administrative functions into a single space. 

Phase one moves currently taking place:
· First floor: medical logistics, optometry, and outpatient records
· Second floor: chiropractic, mental health/family advocacy, physical therapy, and public health
· Third floor: command section, personnel and admin section, resource management office, TRICARE and patient administration/TriWest, medical readiness, and resource learning center
· Silver clinic: moving to TPF1 (figure 1).
· Orthopedics: moving to Bldg 1142 to accommodate phase two construction of the modernization project. 

Aerospace medicine, pharmacy locations, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging services will not be affected by the renovation project and will continue to function without change or interruption. The dental clinic will undergo some minor improvements but continues to operate normally. 

The modernization project is scheduled for completion by spring 2010. 

The goal is for a seamless transition; however, some service disruptions may occur. The clinic might be a busy and possibly confusing place while the modernization occurs, but the end result will be an up to date medical treatment facility that is convenient for all customers. 

For more information, call Mr. Brown at (623) 856-3290.