Naval Branch Health Clinic Bangor Renovation Project Breaks Ground

By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB), with the assistance of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest and Naval Base Kitsap, broke ground on Jan. 4, commencing a major facility upgrade and renovation of Naval Branch Health Clinic Bangor.

"The most important thing we do is provide care for our Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines and their families," said Rear Admiral C. Forrest Faison III, Commander Navy Medicine West, honored guest who was hosted by NHB during his tour of the Naval Medical facilities in the Pacific Northwest.

The estimated $5.8 million project will improve patient care and allow clinic staff to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. The renovation will result in a well-organized layout with more exams rooms, updated handicapped accessibility, and associated services in close proximity which will greatly improve patient flow.

The project will also construct a 2,900 square foot addition to the building. Additionally, the clinic will undergo energy efficient and conservation measure upgrades.

"The modifications we are making in the next 18 months will present a challenge, but it's for the greater good of all," said Capt. Mark E. Brouker, commanding officer of NHB. "We are in a must-win situation in the ongoing war and the top weapon systems we have are our individual Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines. Providing the best in medical and dental services has always been vital, not just for them, but also for their families."

"Ground breakings are about progress and growth. Today's event is important because it involves improving the medical services to our Sailors and Marines," said Capt. Mark Olson, NBK commanding officer.

NBHC Bangor provides medical and dental services to approximately 9,000 active duty personnel and their dependents, along with another 3,000 eligible retiree beneficiaries and their dependents.

"Along with improving our health care and helping to win the war against terrorism, by working with our contractor for the project, Veterans Northwest, we are creating jobs on the Kitsap Peninsula and helping the local economy," said Capt. Pat Rios, NAVFAC Northwest commanding officer.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Christian Wallis, NBHC Bangor officer in charge, the renovation has been planned in a manner that will minimize impact on patient services.

"There should not be an impact on access to care for our enrolled population," said Wallis. "It is important for our beneficiaries to know that they will still receive the high quality, customer friendly care that our clinic provides."

Wallis says that the renovation has been in for works for some time.

"The clinic is a relatively old building and is in need of modern 21st century upgrades. The current layout has grown cumbersome as our services have expanded over the years," he said. "The new layout will provide staff and patients with a better design which improves patient flow throughout the clinic."

Wallis noted that the majority of the high volume services such as active duty care, pharmacy, general dentistry, lab, and optometry will continue to occur inside the clinic. However, there will be times when these services are either moved within the main clinic or moved adjoining modular buildings for a temporary period.

There are plans in place to relocate some services for the renovation period. These include: specialty dental services (prosthedontics, periodontics) will be moved to Building 506 on NBK Bremerton; some general dentistry will relocate to the Intermediate Maintenance Facility lower base Dental Annex on NBK Bangor; Occupational Health will be moved to the Behavior Health and Education Center on NBK Bangor; and Family Care Center "Gold Team" (family member care) will relocate to the temporary modular building in front of NBHC Bangor.