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New Health Center Completed in Italy

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101018-06
10/18/2010

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Southwest Asia Public Affairs

Naples, Italy (NNS) -- The U.S. Army is now benefiting from the new Enhanced Health Services Center (EHSC), which opened its doors to the Army community of Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy on Sept. 27.

The completion of the $47-million EHSC marks another successful project for Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Southwest Asia (NAVFAC EURAFSWA) and their project management team from the Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Northern Italy.

A ribbon cutting publicly recognized the long-awaited opening Oct. 7 and began a new chapter in the administration of quality medical care for Europe Regional Medical Command. The health clinic is capable of providing services for 12,000 to 15,000 people and replaces the current health clinic, dental clinic, and birthing facility at Caserma Ederle.

Hearing technician Suzi Boydston said she is excited about the clinic, the fresh work environment, and the fact that she was involved in its creation.

"Soon after I began my employment with US Army Health Center, Vicenza in 2004, I was asked for my input into the planning of the new facility," she said. "I saw it go from just a dream, to a beautiful facility, and I'm really proud of it. When I walk through the doors in the morning, I feel charged, happy and ready to accomplish my day."

NAVFAC EURAFSWA partnered with two construction firms, Bilfinger Berger from Germany and Pizzarotti from Italy. Work began in September 2007 and included construction of a two-story, 106,000 square-foot medical facility consisting of primary care, orthopedics, women's health services, radiology, laboratory, physical therapy, optometry, behavioral health, community health, general dental services, clinic administration, pediatrics, maternal-child birthing services, and same-day surgical services.

"Literally hundreds of people have worked together over the last six years, three for planning and design, three for construction and outfitting, for one common goal, and that's to give the Vicenza American community the best health care it deserves," said Frank Varano, ESHC medical program engineer. "Better health care is the number one DOD-wide quality of life issue, and that better health care starts with better facilities."

NAVFAC EURAFSWA executes more than $650 million a year in construction, professional engineering and facilities services for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of Defense and NATO commands in those countries throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia, where the Navy is the DoD lead agent for military construction.

NAVFAC is the systems command that delivers and maintains quality, sustainable facilities, acquires and manages capabilities for the Navy's expeditionary combat forces, provides contingency engineering response, and enables energy security and environmental stewardship.