Site work begins for VA clinic

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 12:00 AM)

Site work began July 21 for the long-awaited 8,500-square-foot Department of Veteran Affairs Community Outpatient Clinic near Kaiser Permanente Medical Center on Highway 49.

The facility is expected to open in mid-December.

The $2.5 million clinic will house 18 exam and treatment rooms and will provide primary, mental health and eye care, along with women's services and a pharmacy.

On the staff will be three physicians, a nurse practitioner, a social worker, a psychologist and two patient-services assistants.

Business hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"The VA is very excited to finally be able to bring a large and modern health clinic to the very deserving men and women of the Oakhurst and Mariposa area," said Alan S. Perry, director of the VA Central California Health Care System.

"Our main reason to build in Oakhurst is to make easier access to the area for VA health care, one of the finest systems in America. Health care will soon be in their backyard, and we are thrilled to be able do that."

An advanced-technology "tele-health" program in the clinic will allow neurologist and dermatologist specialists to examine and diagnose patients via a computer.

Perry said the program will save patients from driving to the VA hospital in Fresno.

Perry also plans to provide a van shuttle to make it easier for patients to receive transportation to the clinic when needed.

Wilkins Enterprises, which developed the Raley's and the Old Mill Village shopping centers in Oakhurst, are the developers and builders for the clinic project.

"We are happy to be providing another medical provider to the Mountain Area," Wilkins Enterprises owner Eric Wilkins said. "This facility will enhance the quality of medical care in Eastern Madera County."

Wilkins said the building will meet Leadership for Energy Efficient Design criteria that is monitored by the U.S. Green Building Council.