Peterson hosts ribbon cutting for new medical facilities

Published Feb. 9, 2016
By Lt. Col. Mark D. Reynolds
21st Medical Support Squadron commander

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Medical Group hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 8 to celebrate the completion of renovations to the main Medical Clinic, building 959, Medical Group Annex, building 725, and the Area Dental Lab, building 2012.

The three-phase, $18 million construction project began in 2012 and was a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District and the U.S. Air Force. The project's goal was to optimize and provide state-of-the-art medical treatment services for patients of the 21st Medical Group and the Colorado Springs Military Health System.

Several services and check-in desks throughout the Main Medical Clinic relocated to new areas. Due to these changes visitors should review the map inside the main entrance to locate the needed area.

Also included in the renovation, the Physical Therapy Clinic doubled in space and received new equipment. The Public Health and Immunizations areas are now located adjacent to one another with check-in areas in the main lobby. Renovations to the Radiology Department included an additional ultrasound machine which doubled ultrasound study capacity.

Disease and Case Management functions, as well as the Exceptional Family Member Program support were centralized near the laboratory and radiology departments. Enhancements to the Biomedical Maintenance Equipment Technician shop doubled maintenance work space, increasing its ability to process medical equipment repair and reduce repair times.

The entrance from the rear parking lot was updated and now allows patients quick access to the Optometry, Radiology and Lab areas.

The Medical Group Annex portion of the project saw the Mental Health Department expanded to create treatment space for additional providers who are being brought on staff. Additionally, it included the complete relocation of TRICARE Operations and Patient Administration, including medical records storage and services, from the Main Medical Clinic to the Annex building.

The Group's Education and Training Department received an updated simulation and training room to facilitate the most up-to-date in-house training for all medical staff in a timely manner. Also, Facility Management is now located in the Annex.

On the East side of Peterson, the Area Dental Lab received upgrades as part of the project. A new HVAC system, casework and work benches were added increasing staff efficiencies and workflow. The lab services over 550 dentists world-wide in the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs systems. In the coming months ground-breaking for the Dental Clinic is expected.

The 21st Medical Group looks forward to serving all beneficiaries in these new facilities. If you have any questions about the renovations, contact Lt. Col. Mark D. Reynolds, 21st Medical Support Squadron commander at (719) 556-5588.

21st MDG Ribbon cutting