During the past four years, DGMC has undergone a series of incremental modernization projects within the medical center -- not unlike to trying to fly an airplane while still building it. 

The project, known as "Phase I," is our first "refresh" since opening the doors to this third-generation facility over 20 years ago! Via a unique partnership between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, we have become a specialty care referral hub for northern California VA patients with inpatient/outpatient care and facility sharing agreements.

To date, DoD/VA Joint Venture programs at DGMC include a new, state-of-the-art Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis unit -- the largest in the Air Force and the VA.  A Joint Spine and Neurosurgery service was added in 2007.  A Joint Inpatient Mental Health Unit and a Joint Radiation Oncology Center were upgraded to state-of-the-art services in 2009. 

A $56 million structural improvement and renovation program has also brought an enlarged and consolidated Clinical Laboratory, followed by an updated and expanded Hematology-Oncology Clinic.  

The "crown jewel" however, is our new, robotically-assisted hybrid cardiovascular operating room. One of less than a dozen of its type in the nation and the only one in DoD, the CVOR opened in October 2010 as part of DGMC's new Heart, Lung and Vascular Center.  

A new Ophthalmology Clinic and Eye Surgery Center relocated to Level 4 ("Sierras" or fourth floor) in November 2010, featuring state-of-the-art ophthalmic and laser refractive services all consolidated under a "one stop" department. 

2011 marked the opening of a new Infusion Pharmacy and consolidated Patient Service Center in April, followed in September by our new and greatly expanded Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacies. This new area on Level 2 -- known as "The Patient Mall" -- is located directly across from Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray) and the Women's Imaging Center (Mammography). 

We thank you for your patience with these minor inconveniences. If you're impressed with what we've done during Phase I, prepare to have your socks knocked off as we gear up for "Phase II" projects, now on the drawing board for 2012. In the near future, look for a redesigned Emergency Department, MRI, Teddy's Child Watch Service and even a Coffee Bar and Lounge, complete with fireplace and WiFi internet access. We also ask you to mind any posted detour signs directing foot traffic away from areas currently under renovation. 

For the latest details, click here to learn about all current Phase I changes, or visit the DGMC Newsroom to find out about temporary relocations and/or upcoming "Grand Openings" taking place here during our next renovation cycle.

How does health care at DGMC "measure up" -- both statewide and nationally -- against the National Patient Safety Goals and Quality Measures of The Joint Commission? Click the Gold Seal of Approval from our accreditation and licensing organization to see for yourself.