SJ clinic gets new look in construction project

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tana Stevenson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  "We're a clinic without walls." 

The 4th Medical Group takes pride in this phrase because it means they will reach out to places like individual shops or the flight line to take care of their beneficiaries. But that hasn't stopped them from improving their facilities. 

"We care about our patients and how they spend their time in our facilities," said Lt. Col. Dean Doering, 4th Medical Support Squadron commander. "We want all of our patients to have a safe, clean and professional environment for their healthcare." 

Some of the benefits patients can expect from recently completed and upcoming renovations are improved patient care and patient flow, increased efficiencies and productivity, enhanced life safety measures, enhanced security of staff and facilities and hopefully, increased customer satisfaction. 

"We have the oldest medical facility in Air Combat Command," Lt. Col. Doering said. "It was built back in the late 1950s. We must bring it up to 21st Century standards."
The sustainment, restoration and modernization projects that were funded for fiscal year 2006 totaled $6.7 million. There will be more to come, with $1.5 million projected for FY07 renovations. 

Changes so far range from non-structural improvements such as new carpet and paint on the walls to complete overhauls of buildings from floor to ceiling. The parking lots have been expanded by 55 slots, and it's expected that 50 percent of the clinic's working space has been or will be renovated. 

"The women's health clinic was completely renovated." Lt. Col. Doering said.
The building that houses the dental clinic now has a new roof. The rest of the renovations, which will include an entire reconfiguration of the dental clinic, will be completed in sections. The building will meet new dental care optimization standards when complete. 

Some of the enhanced life safety measures include new fire alarm panels, replacing smoke detectors with heat detectors and a new security system.
There will be new surgical and x-ray capability at the veterinary clinic by December for the working dogs who currently have to be taken to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for care. 

"It will be a wonderful facility, and it will cut an hour and a half driving time ... saving both time and money for everyone," said Tech. Sgt. Jerry Woodard, 4th Security Forces kennel master. 

In FY07, Airmen and their families can expect to see the new entrance for the main clinic moved to where the current ambulance bay is, and the ambulance bay will be relocated and covered with a shelter. There will also be a new storage area attached to the clinic for storing patient decontamination team equipment. 

"Be patient and careful when you see construction or are redirected when you come to the clinic for an appointment," Lt. Col. Doering said. "These changes to our 'clinic with out walls' are being done to improve services and make your visit more comfortable and efficient for all."