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 project began early February and will be completed November 2017.
“A lot of the old infrastructure, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical are being upgraded,” said Michael Perna, 56th MDG facility manager. “The renovations will also add new aesthetics to clinic areas.”
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 provide a comfortable work environment for our staff,” Perna said. “This will provide an outstanding health care experience for our patients.”
All renovations will be 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.