2nd MDG gets a facelift

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2nd Medical Group is undergoing renovations to promote a healthier and more accommodating environment for patients.

The original clinic that supported the 2nd MDG was built in 1971 and although it received a major remodel in 2010, there were still some areas left to improve.

Capt. Matthew Gross, 2nd Medical Support Squadron medical logistics flight commander, is responsible for managing more than seven facilities that belong to the 2nd MDG.

"The 2nd Aerospace Medical Squadron is one of the facilities currently receiving much needed improvements," Gross said. "Wallpaper is being pulled down, walls are being repainted and the floors and carpeted areas are being redone as well."

Ceiling tiles will also be replaced during the renovation, essentially creating a fluid and more aesthetically pleasing environment to match the rest of the clinic, he added.

"The 2nd Dental Squadron will receive a relatively larger renovation," he said. "The project will expand part of the facility as well as remodel the inside, and upgrade the dental exam rooms."

There will be upgrades to the dental storage areas along with new walls, floors and also some new equipment. The clinic will receive new chairs to help bring it up to current standards.

"The exam chairs that are currently in the clinic are reaching their life expectancy so it's time to replace them," he said.

The Dental Squadron was initially built in 1976 and is just over 19,000 sq. feet. In order to meet current requirements, structural renovations to the facility will include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, air handling unit and running new communication lines throughout the building.

"It will be a large project," said Gross. "It's currently still in the design phase, which means the layout has been reviewed and tentatively approved and contractors have come out to determine what equipment needs to be replaced or added during the remodel."

There will be times customers will not be allowed in certain areas, due to safety concerns and requirements, he added.

In addition to the 2nd AMDS and 2nd DS, the satellite pharmacy will also be receiving facility upgrades.

"Besides the Personnel Reliability Program, or PRP office, the pharmacy is the number one patient service provider," he said. "The changes proposed will add more windows to help accommodate more patients and the lobby will be enlarged with space donated by the base Exchange."

The pharmacy is currently on hold, but is an upcoming project for fiscal year 2015.

"Our clinic services more than 270,000 prescriptions per year for more than 35,000 active duty and family members and retiree beneficiaries," said Gross. "So these upgrades are vital to creating a better process for our patients with less of a wait time."

With these major projects underway as well as constant smaller projects within the facilities, the 2nd MDG is ensuring Team Barksdale receives the best medical care possible.