New Wilford Hall to showcase patient-focused comforts

by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Browning
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

8/4/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Construction of the 59th Medical Wing's new Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center continues with an expected completion date in fiscal year 2016.

The 681,000-plus square-foot, state-of-the-art treatment center will replace the existing medical center, which opened in 1957, and was named after Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Wilford Hall on March 2, 1963. Hall is known for his contributions to Air Force medicine in the field of aeromedical evacuation.

Serving more than 55,000 patients, Wilford Hall will continue its tradition as the U.S. Air Force's flagship medical facility for outpatient care. It will be the largest outpatient ambulatory surgical center in the Department of Defense.

The new WHASC is designed to provide enhanced outpatient health care in an innovative facility designed to provide a healing environment for patients.

The building will feature logical floor plans that improve operational efficiencies. Design efforts include a holistic environment that incorporates modularly-designed clinics promoting future flexibility. The design concept also incorporates a 50-year-old oak tree into a grove that gives tribute to Wilford Hall's rich history. Interior gardens, roof gardens, and plazas are integrated into the overall design.

The facility will feature four wings, housing more than 25 outpatient clinics and clinic services.

"Progress on the new Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center is going well." said Capt. James Jordan, project health facilities officer. "The construction for the WHASC is comprised of four phases and at this time is scheduled for completion tentatively in fiscal year 2016."

Phase one is complete and consists of the first wing of the building, parking garage and central utility plant.

Phase two, which features the atrium, will build-out the second and third wings. It is about 90 percent finished.

Phase three includes the final wing and an ambulance shelter; this phase is 75 percent complete.

Phase four will demolish the existing WHASC, and the energy plant, along with other outlying buildings. The site will be restored to add parking and landscaping. This phase begins in fiscal 2015.

"The scope of phase four is being finalized now," said Jordan. "It must be carefully coordinated so as to not interrupt current patient services."

"The new Wilford Hall represents the highest level of enhanced outpatient health care available anywhere," said 59th MDW Commander Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Bart Iddins. "It's a testament to the dedication our men and women of the 59th Medical Wing have for our service members and the more than 240,000 beneficiaries we care for in and around the San Antonio area."