News : Virginia Gay continues making progress on new clinic construction

Mike Timmermans with staff from all the VGH clinics

Front of new building looking southeast from Cedar View

Site plan showing new clinic construction area and the outline of the old clinic

Mike Timmermans, Director of the Virginia Gay Hospital Healthcare Foundation, has been meeting with employees in each department of Virginia Gay to share information about the new clinic VGH will be constructing. During the meetings Mike shares information about the size, location, and configuration of the clinic so employees have information to help explain the project when patients ask questions.

Among the highlights, Mike’s presentation stresses the importance of the new clinic in transforming healthcare, moving from the old “fee for service” model to a new model where healthcare providers are reimbursed based on the overall health of their communities.

Perhaps the most important change the new clinic will allow is the addition of a staff member to work in the area of mental health.

If you or your organization would like a presentation regarding the new clinic, contact Mike at 472-6375 or by email at Mtimmermans@vghinc.com. To see the Virginia Gay Foundation booklet covering the new clinic construction project, click here.

What follows are some of the most frequently asked questions and the answers to those questions.

Q: How big is the new clinic?

A: The new clinic will be two stories and comprise 18,500 square feet of floor space. By comparison, the current building constructed in 1974 occupies 8,300 square feet.

Q: Will the clinic be closed at any time during construction?

A: No, the clinic will remain open at the usual times throughout the construction process.

Q: Will the same entrance be used during construction?

A: The same entrance will be used.

Q: Will there be enough parking during construction?

A: Offsite parking will be needed and valet parking will be expanded to serve the clinic during the construction process.

Q: Will the new clinic be large enough for future needs?

A: The two-story option was selected to provide future expansion.

Q: How many primary healthcare providers can the new facility accommodate?

A: The new facility is designed to accommodate as many as 9 providers and an expanded support staff. There are currently six providers working in the facility with one additional provider expected to start in 2016. Current plans are for all primary healthcare providers now working in the clinic to be on the first floor.

Q: How many exam rooms are in the new facility compared to the current 1974 clinic building?

A: The existing clinic building has 19 exam rooms. The new clinic will have 27.

Q: Will exam rooms be bigger?

A: Exam rooms will be 100 square feet rather than 80 square feet. More importantly, the rooms are 10’ x 10’ and this shape has proven to provide a better patient experience, especially when the patient is accompanied by others.

Q: How can a person get from the hospital to the new clinic building?

A: Patients will be able to move between the hospital and the clinic on the ground floor in a way similar to what we do now. With the ground floor being on the same level as the hospital, and because the new building's ceiling height is different from the hospital, moving from the lobby of the hospital will require moving down three stairs.

Q: When will the project be finished?

A: The expected completion date is September, 2017.

Will parking be better after the construction project is completed?

The project will add 29 parking spaces and a covered portico over the entrance.