New Clinic for Veterans Opens in Florida

Clinic for veterans opens Monday
New, state-of-the-art facility replaces 3 Pensacola locations

by Travis Griggs

Pensacola Florida – Plastic still covers the furniture at the new Veterans Joint Ambulatory Care Center, but that’s not stifling the enthusiasm of the staff, who are preparing for the first patients when doors officially open Monday.

"When you walk into here and see what you’re going to be able to do, you can’t help but get excited," said Lt. Cmdr. Glen Gargano, the Navy officer in charge of Naval branch health clinic.

The new $45 million facility is replacing three existing clinics in Pensacola and will offer services that previously required a drive to the veterans hospital in Biloxi, Miss. Services available include: CT and MRI scans, minor surgical procedures, vision and dental clinics and mental health care.

The facility is adjacent to Pensacola Naval Hospital on U.S. 98 at Corry Station.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla, said the facility is a welcome addition to the Gulf Coast health care system.

"Quality health care close to home for our veterans is critical," Miller said. "This new facility will bring state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to the greater Pensacola area and will lessen the requirement for veterans to make long trips for their medical care."

Miller said the new facility will also reduce patient capacity problems in Pensacola.

"Local veterans have been saying for a number of years that the current clinic is undersized for the number of visitors they have," Miller said. "This new facility quadruples the size of the old clinic."

At 200,000 square feet, the center rivals the floor space of a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The facilities it is replacing totaled 60,000 square feet.

Veterans Affairs Gulf Coast Assistant Director Ronald Johnson said the center is the first of its kind.

"There are a lot of vets around the country that have never experienced a new facility, but in Florida because of the growth, we’ve been very fortunate to get a lot of dollars for facilities," Johnson said.

In the facility, Navy and Veterans Administration personnel work side by side to treat members of active duty services as well as veterans.

"We’re shoulder to shoulder with the Navy, working together to do what’s best for the vets," Johnson said.

Officials wanted the facility to be more than just a clinic, Johnson said. They wanted it to also be a comfortable environment for patients.

"We want them to feel like this is home, like this is a good place to come get their care," Johnson said.

Open seating areas with military-themed artwork serve as waiting rooms. A picture of the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima consumes the wall near the dental clinic. Hallways carry military monickers: Bravo, Charlie, Foxtrot.

"We did that for the veterans. It helps guide them through the building, and it also reminds them who they are and what they used to do," Johnson said.

The center also has 45 volunteers who staff a welcome desk to assist patients with appointments and by guiding to a shuttle service between Navy hospital and new facility.

"It’s been an extremely rewarding experience because as far as we are concerned, our patients are No. 1," Gargano said.

For additional information, Veterans Affairs patients can contact the Joint Ambulatory Care Center at (850) 912-2500.

    Original Story: http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080824/NEWS01/808240326/1068/NEWS12