New VA Clinic Taking Shape in Visalia
A brand-new facility is on the horizon for Veterans in the South Valley, promising top-notch healthcare services.
The VA Engineering Service hosted a hard-hat tour of the Visalia Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) on October 24, for review of safety and compliance features. Several key VACCHCS staff members got their first look at the two-story building under construction at 500 N. Santa Fe Street, formerly the Buckman Mitchell Insurance Building.
Deputy Chief Facility Planner, Timothy Luce, said, "We began designing in June 2022, collaborating closely with Ryan Companies Construction and VA experts to develop a clinic that optimizes the flow of healthcare services through innovative construction, modern equipment, and input from healthcare professionals from a dozen specialty fields. We believe this facility will offer a remarkable experience for the Veterans receiving healthcare services in this area."
The new 23,300 square foot Visalia clinic is scheduled to replace the existing 7,000 square foot VA clinic in the City of Tulare, which has been serving Veterans for nearly 20 years. Cheryl Carson has been the Nurse Manager at the Tulare CBOC for nearly 12 years, and says she looks forward to transitioning to the new site, “I believe both the Veterans and Tulare staff will be so impressed with what is shaping up to be a beautiful new clinic in Visalia. I’m most excited about all the additional diagnostic and specialty clinic services that will be available locally in this new clinic.”
The impressive new facility boasts a multitude of features designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of Veterans. The first floor of the building includes 17 primary care examination rooms, and an outdoor waiting area with a water feature, providing a tranquil environment for patients. Meanwhile, the second floor is set to house a pharmacy, laboratory, and specialty clinics. These specialized clinics will offer a wide range of services, including x-ray imaging, audiology, optometry, podiatry, prosthetics, mental health care, and connected care telehealth capabilities, ensuring that Veterans have access to comprehensive medical care under one roof. Additionally, the site will offer ample parking with more than 100 gated parking stalls for the convenience of patients and staff alike.
The Tulare CBOC, which began serving Veterans in 2004, will be vacated by the VA in June of 2024, at which time the new clinic will already be operational. The new Visalia clinic is scheduled to open in phases, beginning in May of 2024. With a comprehensive range of services, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to providing the best possible care, this new Visalia clinic is a testament to the dedication of the VA in serving those who have served our nation.