Joint Base Andrews, MD –
The Malcolm Grow Medical Center, or MGMC, on Joint Base Andrews, Md., is in the early process of designing and building a new state-of-the-art Ambulatory Care Center, or ACC, with an Ambulatory Surgery Unit. Construction for the new ACC is projected to begin in spring 2012.
The almost 345,000-square foot ACC will feature a parking garage for patients and new emergency care facilities. Andrew's Dental Clinic will also be moved to the same medical campus for patient convenience. Moreover, the care center will be reduced to three stories from MGMC's five.
"Right now we have labs on two floors," said Lt. Col. Lance Rodgers, 779th Medical Group Administrator. "Combining these on one floor is an example of one way we will increase our manpower efficiency. Our facility upgrades will also help patient flow and be far more energy efficient."
Construction will start in MGMC's main parking lot. Parking during the construction will be vital to continuing operations, so designated parking areas and shuttles are already in place. Once the ACC is operational, MGMC will be demolished and replaced with additional parking.
"The current building is 53 years old and has maintenance issues. Also, the layout is out-of-date for the way medicine is practiced today," said 779th Medical Group Commander, Col. Rudy Cachuela. "Though the maintenance crew does an excellent job keeping the building running and looking good, and the providers and staff do a great job providing healthcare, we can be much more efficient."
The ACC will play a significant role within the National Capital Region. Approximately 500 patients currently enrolled at Walter Reed will be reassigned to the 779th Medical Group.
"The biggest change will be inpatient care. Those patients will be transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda or Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital," said Colonel Rodgers. "But Andrews will retain robust ambulatory care capability to include all the same outpatient services currently provided."
The ACC is expected to be completed by spring 2015. The latest news and updates can be found on the
79th Medical Wing's website.