The new $51 million 72nd Medical Group clinic at Tinker Air Force Base was unveiled Monday during a ceremonial grand opening that featured remarks from base commander Col. Steven Bleymaier.
During an early morning ceremony, Bleymaier lauded the successes of the clinic and its staff, including an honor from the U.S. Surgeon General. Other awards received by the clinic include the Air Force Biomedical Civilian of the Year, the Command Clinical Dentist of the Year and the top rating for efficiency among all Air Force clinics.
“You can take great pride in the successes we have had at Tinker with this medical group,” Bleymaier said. “If anyone has earned a (new) medical clinic, it’s the 72nd Medical Group.”
The Tinker facility originally was opened in 1957 as an inpatient hospital, and then redesigned in 1999 as an outpatient clinic.
“Now, we have a new state-of-the-art facility that is designed to last the next 50 years,” Bleymaier said.
The clinic is 177,000 square feet that will continue to offer “world class health care,” the commander said.
Clinic staff and physicians will begin treating patients July 31, a base spokesman said.
Col. Dean Prentice, commander of the 72nd Medical Group, acknowledged that the clinic’s main mission is to “support mission-ready forces.” Prentice said the new clinic will allow medical personnel to continue with training that will be used when performing “in-garrison health care.”
Clinic highlights
Doctors, nurses and other medical personnel will be capable of providing about 500 medical and dental appointments, 1,400 prescriptions, 100 x-rays, 250 laboratory tests and 100 referrals every day to the more than 54,000 beneficiaries it serves.
Services on the main floor include family health, pediatrics, women’s health, physical therapy, labs and radiology. The pharmacy, Tricare Service Center and patient administration also are located on the first floor.
The second floor features the facility’s specialty clinics. Included are the dental clinic, mental health and family advocacy, flight medicine, immunizations, public health, surgery clinic and chiropractic services.
Energy efficient
Green building and construction practices were integrated into every area of the clinic’s design, a spokesman said. Dozens of sustainable options were adopted to reduce energy usage and save water. The building also has a better use of space and takes advantage of new technology, such as the pharmaceutical robotics system.
The main pharmacy is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the drive-thru is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The clinic and pharmacy will be closed on weekends and all federal holidays.
Other services
The 72nd Medical Group Clinic will provide a wide array of outpatient services and also will house the 507th Medical Reserve Squadron, Navy medical personnel assigned to Strategic Communications Wing ONE and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Pre-Discharge Disability Claims Office.
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