Just what the doctor ordered

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Medical Group celebrated its newly renovated facility during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 9, 2011.

The 15 - month renovation project consisted of updating the facility with technologies that help increase 28th MDG efficiencies and create an overall safe environment for staff and patients. Not only were products and technologies upgraded, but available space was also re-organized which resulted in many financial savings.

"The renovation forced us to squeeze all of our offices onto the first floor," said Col. Robert Ritter, 28th MDG commander, "Change in utility costs just based on square footage alone will save us $105,000 a year. Closed second and third floors will save on facility maintenance and housekeeping costs which currently total $950,000."

The renovation project enhanced the 28th MDG organization and also established a, "facility where our patients want to come and get care, and also to make it a place our staff want to come and work," Ritter added.

Boilers, operating since the 1950s, were replaced with new smaller, energy efficient, and digitally controlled boilers. Other infrastructure upgrades included: energy efficient and blast protected windows, new air handlers and compressors, and new pumps for dental suction. The renovation project also included new bathrooms throughout the entire facility.

"I think it works very, very well," said Master Sgt. Anthony Rhodes, 28th Medical Operations Squadron Dental Clinic superintendent. "Innovation was key."