Fort Stewart-U.S. Army Medical Department Activity held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Outpatient Clinics and Pharmacy on Feb. 9. U.S. Army MEDDAC, Winn Army Community Hospital Commander, Col. Christopher Warner, cut the ribbon along with U.S. Army MEDDAC, Command Sgt. Maj. Carol L. Warren-Clark, U.S. Army Reserve Ambassador, Luis Carreras, and the Kier Family.
"The cutting of this ribbon helps us solidify our pledge to you, our Soldiers, Families and Soldiers-for-Life that our committed staff will provide safe, accessible, high quality healthcare you can trust," Warner said. "Behind these double doors is a state-of-the-art pharmacy, along with outpatient clinics."
Last year the outpatient pharmacy at Winn ACH closed to begin construction on the new pharmacy. Due to this closure, much of the prescription workload was absorbed by the smaller Community Refills Pharmacy. Approximately 250,000 prescriptions and 100,000 refills were processed since commencement of construction.
"As you can imagine processing that many prescriptions in that small of a space was extremely challenging for both our patients and our staff members," Carby said.
During the renovation, staff and beneficiaries experienced some hardships but worked together to persevere. The soft opening Jan. 30 of the outpatient pharmacy has already expanded the capacity to process prescriptions by 120 percent, which has seen a reduction in waiting times at both the Community Refill Pharmacy and the new Outpatient Pharmacy.
"And this is a fact, as of yesterday, the wait time was ten minutes," Carby said.
Warner explained the importance of the newly renovated outpatient pharmacy as it applies to the mission of being the beneficiary's healthcare system of choice.
"These clinics provide responsive medical capabilities that enable the readiness of the 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers to perform their missions, both home and away, and provide quality compassionate care to all those we serve," Warner said.
Since the soft opening, more than 750 prescriptions have been filled at the new pharmacy, and more than 99 percent of those prescriptions have been allocated in 30 minutes or less.
"With these capabilities," Warner said, "MEDDAC Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Air Field will become known as the premier patient centered, highly reliable, health readiness platform consisting of inspired Soldiers, Civilians, and leaders who are ready for any mission, at any time."
With the opening of the outpatient clinics and pharmacy, Winn Army Community Hospital celebrates the culmination of a five year expansion, which includes the addition of the Liberty and Outpatient wings.
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