LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --
The 56th Medical Group clinic is currently undergoing
renovations to modify the building layout and reduce the energy footprint.
Construction on the 35-million-dollar project started early
February and will be completed in November, 2017.
“A lot of the old infrastructure, ‘heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning’, plumbing and electrical are being upgraded,” said Michael
Perna, 56th Medical Group facility manager. “The renovations will also add a
lot of aesthetics to the different areas in the clinic.”
The 100,000 square foot renovation reconfigured and modernized
many sections of the clinic and focused on improving the building layout and
reducing patient stress.
New furnishings will be included in the waiting rooms,
offices and exam rooms. The renovations also include new paint, carpet and flooring.
“The infrastructure changes not only help decrease energy
cost but also provide a comfortable work environment for our staff,” Perna
said. “This will provide an outstanding health care experience for our
patients.”
All renovations are completed through a detailed phasing
plan allowing most units at the clinic to remain operational throughout
construction. However, some units and their support staff, were moved into
temporary buildings. This doesn’t prevent the 56th MDG from completing its
mission.
“Day-to-day operations during construction have been
seamless to our patients,” Perna said. “While the staff has noticed the bulk of
the disruption, they have done a tremendous job maintaining a high standard of
patient care.”
The clinic serves more than 6,000 active duty personnel and
84,000 beneficiaries. More than 500 staff members provide care and
administrative support to more than 1,300 surgeries and 130,000 ambulatory
visits every year.