LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley recently reached the second-to-last phase of its construction project, scheduled to be completed by early 2014.
The ongoing project, set to be completed September 2014, aims to enhance the specialty care mission at the hospital, providing the best care to patients at newly-renovated and expanded facilities.
Once the current phase, which includes work on a new emergency department, is completed, contractors will shift into the final phase, which includes the renovation of the Radiological Services suite and other medical support functions.
According to U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey Chaperon, 633rd Medical Support Squadron Medical Logistics flight commander, visitors should expect a few construction-related inconveniences during the project. Patients and visitors will occasionally be diverted around construction areas and may experience noise around patient waiting and treatment areas.
"Langley has experienced a lot of growth over the past few years and now has specialty clinics that were not available in a military treatment facility on the Peninsula," said Chaperon. "Military patients living west of the tunnels now have a convenient location to receive care for those services."
Chaperon said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked with contractors to develop temporary directional signs to help patients and visitors navigate through the hospital. Some of the most notable relocated services include Physical Therapy and Behavioral Health, which have both moved into a modular building next to the base commissary.
Additionally, Mammography and Ultrasound Services temporarily moved to the south end of the main facility next to the Public Health office. The Dermatology Clinic is expected to move to its permanent location, on the first floor of the hospital in the west wing, before the end of 2013. Most recently, the Pharmacy, Laboratory, Nutritional Medicine, Dining Facility and Allergy and Immunizations have relocated to their permanent locations on the first floor.
With an estimated completion date of September 2014, Chaperon said the hospital will have a more modern, open feel, designed to accommodate a larger number of patients.
"It may take some time to re-orient to the new layout of the facility," said Chaperon. "In the end, though, patients should have a much more positive experience."
Along with a renovated infrastructure and layout, Chaperon said the facility has also received a technology upgrade. The updated medical equipment provides the staff with state-of-the-art capabilities designed to enhance patient healthcare. These new capabilities partner with several other initiatives, including providing patients access to a commercial wireless network through the facility to access sites like MiCare through their portable devices.
"By expanding the services offered to our beneficiaries, we are able to care for more of our patients needs under one roof, which improves the continuity of healthcare we provide," said Chaperon. Expanding care of TRICARE beneficiaries within the military treatment facility saves money over the long run, which will compensate for costs incurred during the renovations. "The hospital's mission will always include supporting military members and their families who support the base, as well as the retirees and other Department of Defense beneficiaries in the Tidewater area eligible for care."
Chaperon said the 633rd Medical Group leadership appreciates the patience and understanding of its patients and visitors. For more information, visit:
www.jble.af.mil/633dmedicalgrouphealthcare/index.asp