MacDill's new clinic opens for business

  • Published
  • By MacDill staff reporter
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MacDill AFB, Fla --  Team MacDill welcomed a new addition to the family beginning this week when the 6th Medical Group opened the doors of the anticipated medical clinic for business here at the base. 

The 6 MDG members made the final move and bid farewell to the MacDill Family Treatment Center Sept. 25 when Col. Dennis Beatty, 6th Medical Group commander treated his last patient at the old clinic. However, they opened the doors of the new facility with Col. Lawrence Martin, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander and Col. Dave Cohen, 6 AMW vice commander as the first patients. 

Both first patients were taken for a walkthrough of the facility before leaving to their scheduled appointments where they observed and tested some of the services offered.
Other patients at the clinic came for both scheduled appointments and to view the new structure. 

"I think it's going to take a little getting used to for me to get familiar with where the different clinics are located," said (ret) Master Sgt. Collin Bridges. "But I came to see what it looks like and so far there are more parking spaces and I was helped in the lobby with directions from some of the staff members." 

According to Mr. Al Martin, 6MDG building manger in 2008 one of the reasons for building a new clinic at MacDill was due to the Tampa General Hospital's proximity to the base, therefore MacDill needed only to have a clinic. 

The 254,000 square feet new state of the art facility located at 3250 Zemke Ave features touch screen directories located on the lobby panels and revamped clinics consolidated under one building on both floors. 

Construction of the new clinic began during the last quarter of 2007 and was completed earlier than its expected date in December 2009. The building estimated to be $104 million provides better access to all the clinics for the patients and has improved parking spaces. 

While the services and facilities have been upgraded the clinic will not be providing emergency services patients are asked to contact the Tampa General Hospital.
On Oct. 17 the medical group will be hosting their open house followed by the building's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Nov. 6.