WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Leaders from West Point and Army Medical Command gathered for a ground breaking ceremony, to officially commence construction additions to--and renovations of--Keller Army Community Hospital Clinic, March 15.
The 53,110 square-foot clinic facility will significantly expand Keller's mission of providing world-class health care.
"This clinic addition is the Army Medical Department and the Northern Regional Medical Command's commitment to the United States Military Academy and the West Point Community that we are the leaders in your healthcare -- our focus is to promote health and we will continue to provide world class medicine 24/7," Col. Beverly Land, Keller Army Community Hospital commander.
This clinic expansion project has been in the works since the early 2000's; and it is in part due to supporters such as Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, Senator Bill Larkin, West Point leadership, community leaders and others who continued to promote the hospital and the current need for the expansion that we are here today, said Land.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $28.5 million contract to gain a new clinic, which will improve parking, increase single patient rooms for personal care and privacy, maximize the use of staff and equipment, and centralize hospital medical service functions to include: primary care, optometry, ophthalmology, rehabilitation and TRICARE.
This addition will make getting care easier and more convenient for Keller patients allowing a one-stop Army medicine experience.
"In the midst of that very challenging set of responsibilities comes this place of healing for those who suffer wounds in midst of wars in foreign nations," Hayworth said. "It is an honor to join in celebrating the groundbreaking for the new clinical facility and to work toward ever greater fulfillment of the mission we all share."
"You all do an exceptional job of taking care of the Cadets and Soldiers here at West Point. I am delighted for the future of this new clinic addition," said United States Military Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen., David Huntoon.
The project is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification and is slated to be completed by early 2014, according to Maj. Christopher Kiss, project officer, U.S. Army Health Facility Planning Agency.
The clinic addition is located on the eastern end of the current facility; elongated and oriented along an east-west axis. The new building's orientation will maximize solar heat gains as well as provide increased day-lighting and views of nature for the occupants.
"Implementing modern design elements in this construction project not only improves the building's performance, but also to enhance the environment for the patients and staff," Kiss said.
For information about Keller Army Community Hospital, visit http://kach.amedd.army.mil/index/index.html.
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